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The Saving Angels #1
Meant to Be
Krista Miller feels like she has lived her entire life in a glass box with her every emotion on display. She can’t help feeling like a defect as her sensitivities have made her socially inept and without any real friends; the one exception being the boy that visits her each night in her dreams.
Krista’s emotions are put to the test when a move to California triggers a devastating change to her fantasy world. The nightly comfort that the boy provides has now become a recurring nightmare as he is taken from her by an unseen force.
Struggling to appear normal, Krista enrolls in a new school and finds it to be nothing like she thought. Her new life is sent spiraling out of control from a strange connection with a boy, Mark, who claims to know all her secrets.
As Krista begins to explore the emotions that Mark evokes in her, secrets about their mysterious past and their predestined purpose threatens to separate them just when they have found each other.
Krista’s emotions are put to the test when a move to California triggers a devastating change to her fantasy world. The nightly comfort that the boy provides has now become a recurring nightmare as he is taken from her by an unseen force.
Struggling to appear normal, Krista enrolls in a new school and finds it to be nothing like she thought. Her new life is sent spiraling out of control from a strange connection with a boy, Mark, who claims to know all her secrets.
As Krista begins to explore the emotions that Mark evokes in her, secrets about their mysterious past and their predestined purpose threatens to separate them just when they have found each other.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2011
388 people are currently reading
6691 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany King
39 books1,797 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Tiffany King is a lifelong reading fanatic who is now living her dream as a writer, weaving Young Adult and New Adult romance tales for others to enjoy. She has a loving husband and two wonderful kids. (Five, if you count her three spoiled cats). Her addictions include: Her iphone and ipad, chocolate, Diet Coke, chocolate, Harry Potter, chocolate, zombies and her favorite TV shows. Want to know what they are? Just ask.
You can connect with Tiffany on her webpage at authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com
Twitter-@AuthorTiffany
Facebook-Author Tiffany King
You can connect with Tiffany on her webpage at authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com
Twitter-@AuthorTiffany
Facebook-Author Tiffany King
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
March 20, 2011
Okay, let me start off by saying that I live to read romance in YA novels. Besides awesome plot lines, and the twists that I DON’T want to see coming, it’s what I relish about losing myself in a book. And Meant To Be has it. The relationship between Krista and Mark is so breathtakingly beautiful and full of passion; I held my breath with their every encounter. King’s description throughout the novel is wonderful. I was able to envious everything the MC saw, felt, or heard. And Krista was a very likable character. Although I tend to have issues with weakness in protagonists, Krista weakness was also part of her strength, and she overcomes her fears in record time. I loved this girl. I admit that a tad of editing is needed, but the author wrote so fiercely that I quickly lost myself in the story and grammatical errors were easily overlooked. There are no spoilers in my reviews, but I will tell you this. If you’re a lover of the plot twist, and you think you can figure out what’s going to happen at the end, think again! I’m the queen of knowing how a book is going to end, and even I didn’t see this one coming. So if you’re looking for a read to lose yourself in, with lots of romance and paranormal twits, I recommend Meant To Be.
October 3, 2011
I loved this book. Loved. I am all about the love and soul mates and angels. It was a fascinating and lovely mix for me.
Krista wasn't annoying as so many female leads are these days. She had her moments as any teenage girl does, but it was believable and real. The way she handled things was inspiring.
And Mark. Oh Mark. I think every one should have one! He was awesome. Protective, sweet, thoughtful and careful. The love that developed between the two was so endearing. And the fact that they fell in love in dreams had me swooning!
There was plenty going on to keep you interested all the way to the last page. I've aleady read book two as well and you will be equally enthralled. The characters are moral and sweet with just enough mischief to make you know there's going to be more to the story. I suggest you buy this book as Tiffany is a master of sweetness and relationships.
Krista wasn't annoying as so many female leads are these days. She had her moments as any teenage girl does, but it was believable and real. The way she handled things was inspiring.
And Mark. Oh Mark. I think every one should have one! He was awesome. Protective, sweet, thoughtful and careful. The love that developed between the two was so endearing. And the fact that they fell in love in dreams had me swooning!
There was plenty going on to keep you interested all the way to the last page. I've aleady read book two as well and you will be equally enthralled. The characters are moral and sweet with just enough mischief to make you know there's going to be more to the story. I suggest you buy this book as Tiffany is a master of sweetness and relationships.
March 17, 2011
Krista has always been different her intense emotions have set her apart from everyone even her parents. The only time she feels at peace is when shes sleeping because, in her dreams he's there. The same boy that has always been in her dreams, she can't see his face but she loves him and feels his love for her. When her father dies Krista and her mom move to Santa Cruz, California a place that Krista has always felt drawn to. When they arrive Krista feels completely at home even at her new school where she finally has a friend Sam they share a bond like no one could imagine. Then Krista finally meets the boy from her dreams and their connection is instant and intense. Now they have to figure out why they're connected and what it means.
First off let me say I have an intense love for Santa Cruz and I love to read about places I've been. I can picture the beach and the rides so vividly. I spent many a spring break there when I was younger.
What I loved about this book was it was a completely original take on a subject that most of us already know. I won't say more as there would spoilery involved. All I can say is when you think you've got things figured Tiffany throws you for a loop and you end thinking no way! I loved the connection between the characters and their individuality as well. I could have devoured this book in one setting if I hadn't started it so late. Also Tiffany left the ending open for a sequel I would love to read more about Krista, Sam and the rest of the group. Fingers crossed for more. So go get this book it's a wonderful read.
Thank you Tiffany for choosing me as one of the lucky bloggers to get this for early review.
First off let me say I have an intense love for Santa Cruz and I love to read about places I've been. I can picture the beach and the rides so vividly. I spent many a spring break there when I was younger.
What I loved about this book was it was a completely original take on a subject that most of us already know. I won't say more as there would spoilery involved. All I can say is when you think you've got things figured Tiffany throws you for a loop and you end thinking no way! I loved the connection between the characters and their individuality as well. I could have devoured this book in one setting if I hadn't started it so late. Also Tiffany left the ending open for a sequel I would love to read more about Krista, Sam and the rest of the group. Fingers crossed for more. So go get this book it's a wonderful read.
Thank you Tiffany for choosing me as one of the lucky bloggers to get this for early review.
September 2, 2013
Meant to Be presents two of the most common and addictive elements in this YA Literature market: Fantasy and Romance. The story's centered around Krista Miller's character after moving to California with her mother when her father passed away. It is there where she'll meet face to face with Mark; the guy haunting her dreams since she was a little girl. The events narrated in Meant to Be begin with Krista's city transfer along with her mom. Once there, Krista has the possibility of fulfilling the wish of studying at some private scholastic service. On her first day at school she meets a girl named Sam, to whom she'll feel an instant connection and then hours later she'll be face to face with Mark. Krista will soon know that she shares a lot of stuff in common with Sam; and for Sam that element was Shawn. Once reunited, these four characters will try to find the answer to their singular connection. The biggest credit I can give King is that the story keeps you intrigued until the end since the reader wants to know which each character’s singularities are. However, there are some details that seem to be sloppily worked, and I explain:
Disclaimer: There could be some spoilers
Character Development: As a reader, I didn't felt for a moment these characters growing or transcending to another level. This could be represented when the reader is NEVER connected with Krista's loss. There’s not a single scene where you can see her suffering for the recent loss of her father or even more where you can see her recovering from it (E-Book / Page: 2) she lets the reader know about this, but I felt it was too much telling and not showing. With this example I thought the narrator was a little selfish, like it didn’t mattered her father dying since she was going to live at this place she ever dreamed of and fulfill her wish to study at some private school with the money her father left on an insurance policy. As a reader, the characters I enjoy the most are those made real and deal with real situations. This was not the case with Krista, Sam, Mark and Shawn. Nevertheless each and one of them had a potential background which could have been used for their growth as characters, but it only stands summarized between lines and the author wasted this opportunity.
Story Pace: The balance was kind of off; the events were taking place way too fast or extremely slow, as if the harmony was gone. For example: in just 19 pages (E-Book / Pages: 16-35), these characters connect, discover there is a singularity that unites them and that they are meant to be. I'm sorry, but I need character development as a reader; I need to see how the puzzle comes together piece by piece, not tossing 99% of these pieces in 19 pages. Then after the events that took place on those 19 pages, there's only one question to be answered: What they are? During The rest of the novel, the four main characters try to solve such enigma without any success, and not so much credit can be given to the effort they put trying to find the answers. The question is answered in only 13 pages (E-Book / Pages: /122-135)
World Building: Basically, the story's World Building premise is that our four main characters are angel descendants better known as Guardians and Protectors. They feel linked to Santa Monica since it is "Holy Ground". This kind of essence is that they are paired as "Soul Mates", guaranteeing their kind will never vanish. The reader will know that the Guardian and Protectors cannot be separated under any circumstances under long time periods (hours), or else they die. Let's call the villain on the story Mr. X, who is experimenting with the species by trying to break the “soulmate” tradition. It's with this element where relies my main problem with the story; co-dependent relationships.
WHERE is the capability of choosing?
So these couples are meant to be and under any circumstance they can be separated because then the girl gets sick and the boy, aggressive. I'm sorry, but it's a fatal combination. As a reader, I don’t care how pretty the analogy is, the excuse still has the same meaning. It sounds cute, but it's still a co-dependent relationship. None of the characters has the capability to choose once they find each other because at the end it's meant to be.
Finally, the story's general concept is interesting, but from MY point of view it needs some work done in the previous mentioned aspects. I would really like this cycle of female protagonists in YA Literature that don’t have the capability of choosing to just disappear, because is beautiful to choose. For those who say the past doesn’t apply because it's a fictional story, it is said the essence of good writing is the one closer to reality.
At first I didn’t want to do a full review of the story because in some cases with self publishing material I feel the author doesn’t have the same resources that publishing authors have. At the end I decided to do the full review in honor to the user (who already deleted the account that was created) to let me know in elegant words I didn’t know how to read because clearly I missed something. Now I think it’s obvious that I read the story cautiously. What needs to be clear is because a reader doesn’t like something from the story, that doesn’t mean the reader didn’t understand the concept or missed something. It’s as simple as that and the beautiful thing about literature is; someone can hate a book and others completely love it.
_______________________________
Teacher’s Notes:
“Attending to private school had been a lifelong dream of mine. Not because I was vain and wanted to surround myself with other smart kids, but because I felt if I attended a school there other kids with high IQ’S, I could get lost in the crowd.”
(E-Book / Page: 4)
The past quote is so WRONG in many ways. As an educator and someone who was forged in the public system, it really bothers me. Anyone could be in the fanciest private college in the world but if they don’t have intelligence they will not be successful. I graduated with honors from college I can read and speak 3 languages and two of those I learned by myself; not too bad for a girl from a public school.
_______________________________
Disclaimer: There could be some spoilers
Character Development: As a reader, I didn't felt for a moment these characters growing or transcending to another level. This could be represented when the reader is NEVER connected with Krista's loss. There’s not a single scene where you can see her suffering for the recent loss of her father or even more where you can see her recovering from it (E-Book / Page: 2) she lets the reader know about this, but I felt it was too much telling and not showing. With this example I thought the narrator was a little selfish, like it didn’t mattered her father dying since she was going to live at this place she ever dreamed of and fulfill her wish to study at some private school with the money her father left on an insurance policy. As a reader, the characters I enjoy the most are those made real and deal with real situations. This was not the case with Krista, Sam, Mark and Shawn. Nevertheless each and one of them had a potential background which could have been used for their growth as characters, but it only stands summarized between lines and the author wasted this opportunity.
Story Pace: The balance was kind of off; the events were taking place way too fast or extremely slow, as if the harmony was gone. For example: in just 19 pages (E-Book / Pages: 16-35), these characters connect, discover there is a singularity that unites them and that they are meant to be. I'm sorry, but I need character development as a reader; I need to see how the puzzle comes together piece by piece, not tossing 99% of these pieces in 19 pages. Then after the events that took place on those 19 pages, there's only one question to be answered: What they are? During The rest of the novel, the four main characters try to solve such enigma without any success, and not so much credit can be given to the effort they put trying to find the answers. The question is answered in only 13 pages (E-Book / Pages: /122-135)
World Building: Basically, the story's World Building premise is that our four main characters are angel descendants better known as Guardians and Protectors. They feel linked to Santa Monica since it is "Holy Ground". This kind of essence is that they are paired as "Soul Mates", guaranteeing their kind will never vanish. The reader will know that the Guardian and Protectors cannot be separated under any circumstances under long time periods (hours), or else they die. Let's call the villain on the story Mr. X, who is experimenting with the species by trying to break the “soulmate” tradition. It's with this element where relies my main problem with the story; co-dependent relationships.
WHERE is the capability of choosing?
So these couples are meant to be and under any circumstance they can be separated because then the girl gets sick and the boy, aggressive. I'm sorry, but it's a fatal combination. As a reader, I don’t care how pretty the analogy is, the excuse still has the same meaning. It sounds cute, but it's still a co-dependent relationship. None of the characters has the capability to choose once they find each other because at the end it's meant to be.
Finally, the story's general concept is interesting, but from MY point of view it needs some work done in the previous mentioned aspects. I would really like this cycle of female protagonists in YA Literature that don’t have the capability of choosing to just disappear, because is beautiful to choose. For those who say the past doesn’t apply because it's a fictional story, it is said the essence of good writing is the one closer to reality.
At first I didn’t want to do a full review of the story because in some cases with self publishing material I feel the author doesn’t have the same resources that publishing authors have. At the end I decided to do the full review in honor to the user (who already deleted the account that was created) to let me know in elegant words I didn’t know how to read because clearly I missed something. Now I think it’s obvious that I read the story cautiously. What needs to be clear is because a reader doesn’t like something from the story, that doesn’t mean the reader didn’t understand the concept or missed something. It’s as simple as that and the beautiful thing about literature is; someone can hate a book and others completely love it.
_______________________________
Teacher’s Notes:
“Attending to private school had been a lifelong dream of mine. Not because I was vain and wanted to surround myself with other smart kids, but because I felt if I attended a school there other kids with high IQ’S, I could get lost in the crowd.”
(E-Book / Page: 4)
The past quote is so WRONG in many ways. As an educator and someone who was forged in the public system, it really bothers me. Anyone could be in the fanciest private college in the world but if they don’t have intelligence they will not be successful. I graduated with honors from college I can read and speak 3 languages and two of those I learned by myself; not too bad for a girl from a public school.
_______________________________
March 17, 2011
Krista is not your average teenage girl. She is exceptionally intelligent and can feel the emotions of those around her. The ability to feel these emotions make everyday life very difficult for her. She is unable to even read a sad story with out the emotion consuming her for days at a time. At times these feelings are so intense they make her become extremely ill. On top of that every night for her whole life she has dreamt of the same boy, on the same beach. She feels so connected to him and has yet to see his face. She feels a strong pull to Santa Cruz and, after her father dies, her mother decides that they will move there to start over after losing him.
Here she finally meets people she can relate to and be friends with. This is something that she has never had the capability of doing. Her life feels like it's making a turn for the better, especially when she finds out that these new friends seem to be able to relate to her more than she could have ever dreamed. These four friends will need each other more than they could ever have imagined.
This is a fantastic debut novel. The story line was amazing and very original. The detail was superb. I was easily able to picture every scene that I was in. I have never read anything quite like it. It was an extremely quick and enjoyable read. I also love that she left it open for a sequel! Yay! I love sequels! I highly recommend that you pick this one up!
Here she finally meets people she can relate to and be friends with. This is something that she has never had the capability of doing. Her life feels like it's making a turn for the better, especially when she finds out that these new friends seem to be able to relate to her more than she could have ever dreamed. These four friends will need each other more than they could ever have imagined.
This is a fantastic debut novel. The story line was amazing and very original. The detail was superb. I was easily able to picture every scene that I was in. I have never read anything quite like it. It was an extremely quick and enjoyable read. I also love that she left it open for a sequel! Yay! I love sequels! I highly recommend that you pick this one up!
October 25, 2011
This story overall was pretty good, the characters okay, but the writing in general was artificially stilted, formal and sometimes a little stuffy (it felt like someone trying to pretend to be smart??).
And I was so distracted by very un-teenage-like dialogue/internal thinking that it drove me crazy.
Also, I was laughing out loud at the beginning of book when the author randomly included two (maybe more)product placement blurbs that read like advertisements (particularly one about Roxy tees versus the comparable Target brand...oh, brother! Please save the plugs for somewhere else; I see enough advertising around me as is.
There were also lots of editing errors, which I'm coming to expect from these kindle cheapies especially. To sum it all up, this book just needs a strong editor to guide this story to better presentation. The idea is there, but sadly, execution was lacking. I probably will not read the next book.
And I was so distracted by very un-teenage-like dialogue/internal thinking that it drove me crazy.
Also, I was laughing out loud at the beginning of book when the author randomly included two (maybe more)product placement blurbs that read like advertisements (particularly one about Roxy tees versus the comparable Target brand...oh, brother! Please save the plugs for somewhere else; I see enough advertising around me as is.
There were also lots of editing errors, which I'm coming to expect from these kindle cheapies especially. To sum it all up, this book just needs a strong editor to guide this story to better presentation. The idea is there, but sadly, execution was lacking. I probably will not read the next book.
January 4, 2016
THIS REVIEW IS BRUTALLY HONEST AND NOT FAVORABLE. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.
One of the magical things about love is finding it in a place that does not seem to encourage it. It follows then that if the setting or character is perfect, then the love isn't as magical. What I mean by this, is if you have everything going for you, looks, brains, body, etc..., it's no wonder some guy fell for you. What's much more interesting, and much more difficult to write, is a guy falling for someone who isn't perfect in every way. That being said...
This book inspired me to create a new shelf, one that was a long time in coming and has finally been brought into existence by its poster child, Meant to Be. That shelf is Wish Fulfillment.
If I sat down as a thirteen year old and daydreamed about a perfect life and a perfect boyfriend, I probably would've come up with something like Meant to Be. It was boring, unimaginative in the extreme, and everything, EVERYTHING, was unrealistically perfect.
Abandoned when she was small (good riddance, if you ask me), Krista is a beautiful (though she doesn't know it, of course) and emotionally sensitive girl living with her adoptive parents in Montana. Her dad dies suddenly and she and her mom move to Santa Cruz, a place she is inexplicably drawn to. Could it be that those dreams she has every night of meeting a faceless boy on a beach are set in Santa Cruz? Yes, yes it could. Sure enough, when she arrives in Santa Cruz, she finds the location in her dreams, and shortly thereafter, meets her "dream guy" (yes, she actually calls him that). She has a ridiculously high IQ which induces her to attend a private school so that she will fit in, and there she finds her super hot, super smart dream guy, who henceforth shall be dubbed "the DG", and who is an eighteen year old guy with a masters degree in physics and who interns as a history teacher so that he can write his thesis for his PH.D. Yes, you read that right. 18, interning at a high school, thesis, PH.D. (And did I mention that he is supernaturally strong, too?) Not only is it beyond improbable, but it also doesn't make sense. How does interning at a high school as a history teacher help him get a physics PH.D? This is just one example of the logical absurdities that come with wish fulfillment.
Krista also meets a beautiful, extremely smart girl whose parents abandoned her when she was small, just like Krista's, and with whom Krista has an instant connection. This girl, Sam, is emotionally sensitive, has dreams about a guy (who is now her perfect boyfriend), and was drawn to Santa Cruz just like Krista. Oh boy. What a coincidence. (It should be noted that against all odds, everyone else at the private school is mean and/or shallow.)
For the entire first half of the book, Krista, the DG, Sam, and Sam's DG, walk around doing boring things which are described in minute detail and try to figure out how they are all connected.
51% of the way through is where I finally decided to stop wasting my time and call it bad. I know this because I kept checking how far in I was on my kindle. I admit, I can't judge the book fairly because I did not finish it. Maybe it gets better in the second half or something actually happens. I doubt it though. If I had to guess what happens, I'd say that Krista and her gang find out that they are all angels or some shit, they learn that their parents were killed which is why they were abandoned, and a villain or coalition of villains crop up to give the book something resembling an actual plot. (By the way, one of the DG's real parents is still present in his life. Now, this parent would clearly have all the answers, but instead of asking him sometime during the gang's musings in the first half, they just sit around and try to guess. Clearly these geniuses need some work in the Common Sense department.) With wish fulfillment, I don't feel like I need the author to help finish the book.
So. If you like to read the sort of thing you might cook up yourself with ease, then by all means, give Meant to Be a try. If not, then save yourself some time better spent doing anything else-polishing the bottoms of your shoes, spinning in circles until you fall over-and skip it.
Something to consider: If you are going to write a character with a high IQ, you might want to give them thoughts that a person with a high IQ would actually have. Krista was supposedly extremely smart, yet her thoughts were entirely banal. Brilliant people don't have mundane consciousnesses. An apt analogy for this is an author telling readers that a place is beautiful, but describing it as a dump. It just doesn't work.
One of the magical things about love is finding it in a place that does not seem to encourage it. It follows then that if the setting or character is perfect, then the love isn't as magical. What I mean by this, is if you have everything going for you, looks, brains, body, etc..., it's no wonder some guy fell for you. What's much more interesting, and much more difficult to write, is a guy falling for someone who isn't perfect in every way. That being said...
This book inspired me to create a new shelf, one that was a long time in coming and has finally been brought into existence by its poster child, Meant to Be. That shelf is Wish Fulfillment.
If I sat down as a thirteen year old and daydreamed about a perfect life and a perfect boyfriend, I probably would've come up with something like Meant to Be. It was boring, unimaginative in the extreme, and everything, EVERYTHING, was unrealistically perfect.
Abandoned when she was small (good riddance, if you ask me), Krista is a beautiful (though she doesn't know it, of course) and emotionally sensitive girl living with her adoptive parents in Montana. Her dad dies suddenly and she and her mom move to Santa Cruz, a place she is inexplicably drawn to. Could it be that those dreams she has every night of meeting a faceless boy on a beach are set in Santa Cruz? Yes, yes it could. Sure enough, when she arrives in Santa Cruz, she finds the location in her dreams, and shortly thereafter, meets her "dream guy" (yes, she actually calls him that). She has a ridiculously high IQ which induces her to attend a private school so that she will fit in, and there she finds her super hot, super smart dream guy, who henceforth shall be dubbed "the DG", and who is an eighteen year old guy with a masters degree in physics and who interns as a history teacher so that he can write his thesis for his PH.D. Yes, you read that right. 18, interning at a high school, thesis, PH.D. (And did I mention that he is supernaturally strong, too?) Not only is it beyond improbable, but it also doesn't make sense. How does interning at a high school as a history teacher help him get a physics PH.D? This is just one example of the logical absurdities that come with wish fulfillment.
Krista also meets a beautiful, extremely smart girl whose parents abandoned her when she was small, just like Krista's, and with whom Krista has an instant connection. This girl, Sam, is emotionally sensitive, has dreams about a guy (who is now her perfect boyfriend), and was drawn to Santa Cruz just like Krista. Oh boy. What a coincidence. (It should be noted that against all odds, everyone else at the private school is mean and/or shallow.)
For the entire first half of the book, Krista, the DG, Sam, and Sam's DG, walk around doing boring things which are described in minute detail and try to figure out how they are all connected.
51% of the way through is where I finally decided to stop wasting my time and call it bad. I know this because I kept checking how far in I was on my kindle. I admit, I can't judge the book fairly because I did not finish it. Maybe it gets better in the second half or something actually happens. I doubt it though. If I had to guess what happens, I'd say that Krista and her gang find out that they are all angels or some shit, they learn that their parents were killed which is why they were abandoned, and a villain or coalition of villains crop up to give the book something resembling an actual plot. (By the way, one of the DG's real parents is still present in his life. Now, this parent would clearly have all the answers, but instead of asking him sometime during the gang's musings in the first half, they just sit around and try to guess. Clearly these geniuses need some work in the Common Sense department.) With wish fulfillment, I don't feel like I need the author to help finish the book.
So. If you like to read the sort of thing you might cook up yourself with ease, then by all means, give Meant to Be a try. If not, then save yourself some time better spent doing anything else-polishing the bottoms of your shoes, spinning in circles until you fall over-and skip it.
Something to consider: If you are going to write a character with a high IQ, you might want to give them thoughts that a person with a high IQ would actually have. Krista was supposedly extremely smart, yet her thoughts were entirely banal. Brilliant people don't have mundane consciousnesses. An apt analogy for this is an author telling readers that a place is beautiful, but describing it as a dump. It just doesn't work.
March 20, 2011
I just finished reading Meant to Be this morning... I am gonna *try* to write a review without giving anything away, but I am a bit nervous about my reviewing skills... but *deep breath* here it goes!
Okay, so I picked up this book as per an amazing review one of my friends did on this novel. It was the first book in a long time that I was really really excited about reading. I view myself as a bit of a cover-ho, and I feel in love with the cover, only adding to my desire to read this book! The cover is absolutely beautiful, and I love the fact that it is a drawn cover, and not just a picture depicting something or someone in the book. This cover, once you have read the book, completely conveys the story on a whole other level.
Can I tell you how much I love how Tiffany brought this story to life? It was absolutely amazing. I was completely and utterly drawn into the story from page 1. I could not put my Nook away, until finally turning it off to go to bed. When I woke up this morning, all I could think about was finding out what was going to happen to Krista, Mark, Sam and Shane. And while I told my husband that I wanted to "savor" the book, and not read it quickly, I simply could not help myself.
This book was amazingly refreshing, and truly unlike any story I have read. The concept was fresh and inspired, the story drew you in farther and farther, ... the imagery...forget about it, breathtaking.... I could have sworn that I felt sand beneath my feet as I was reading this morning!
So, instead of giving you a summary of what the book is about, just take my word, I don't give out 5 star ratings easily... go, drop what your doing, click out of this review, go to smashword.com (thats where I bought this book), and buy it... I PROMISE you, you won't regret it!
Okay, so I picked up this book as per an amazing review one of my friends did on this novel. It was the first book in a long time that I was really really excited about reading. I view myself as a bit of a cover-ho, and I feel in love with the cover, only adding to my desire to read this book! The cover is absolutely beautiful, and I love the fact that it is a drawn cover, and not just a picture depicting something or someone in the book. This cover, once you have read the book, completely conveys the story on a whole other level.
Can I tell you how much I love how Tiffany brought this story to life? It was absolutely amazing. I was completely and utterly drawn into the story from page 1. I could not put my Nook away, until finally turning it off to go to bed. When I woke up this morning, all I could think about was finding out what was going to happen to Krista, Mark, Sam and Shane. And while I told my husband that I wanted to "savor" the book, and not read it quickly, I simply could not help myself.
This book was amazingly refreshing, and truly unlike any story I have read. The concept was fresh and inspired, the story drew you in farther and farther, ... the imagery...forget about it, breathtaking.... I could have sworn that I felt sand beneath my feet as I was reading this morning!
So, instead of giving you a summary of what the book is about, just take my word, I don't give out 5 star ratings easily... go, drop what your doing, click out of this review, go to smashword.com (thats where I bought this book), and buy it... I PROMISE you, you won't regret it!
March 17, 2011
MEANT TO BE by TIFFANY KING was one of those books that I read in one day. It was one of ‘those’ books! If you are an avid reader then you know what I mean! When you pick up a book and the very first paragraph grabs you immediately and you whisper to yourself “I’m not letting go until the very last word!” That’s what debut author Tiffany King’s new novel MEANT TO BE did to me!
The main character, Krista is incredibly intelligent, a model teenager with loving adoptive parents. Krista’s never had friends and keeps to herself, not out of preference but out of necessity. Krista is severely empathetic, unable to get to close to anyone without becoming overwhelmed by their emotions. She doesn’t just feel one emotion; she feels them all, sometimes to the point of making her physically ill. The only thing that has kept her sane are her nightly visits with an unknown boy she meets on a twilight beach in her dreams. He has the power to soothe her during these dreams so that she can go on to face another day. She’s had these dreams all her life yet she never sees his face but he is as familiar to her as her own self.
After a tragedy, Krista and her mother move to Santa Cruz, a place that Krista has always felt drawn to. It’s a special place where she immediately feels at home. The ocean and the beach soothe her but her dreams take a drastic turn the day she arrives in Santa Cruz. Despite Krista’s inner turmoil, she vows to make her life there as best as she can for her mother’s sake. Krista’s enrolled in a prestigious private school where she meets Samantha (Sam) and for the first time in her life she feels connected to a real person and has a true friend who not only understands her but also has the exact same empathy as Krista only she’s learned to control it. She also meets Mark, the boy in her dreams and the connection is instantaneous and powerful. It isn’t long before another joins their group. Questions start arising about how they all feel so connected. Things start to get seriously awry for the group and danger lurks around every corner. Supernatural/paranormal forces seem to be at work but will they find out the answers before something tears them apart?
There are a lot of things I liked about MEANT TO BE, I felt an instant connection with Krista when she said “Chocolate talked to my soul” (Location 294) and “There was nothing like the smell of books, both new and old. If someone ever bottled the smell, I would be all over it.” (Location 233) Now, here’s a girl I could hang with! She loves chocolate and the smell of books and reading! Aside from that, I liked how well developed all the characters were. They were ‘step off the page’ realistic and I fell in love with all of them and found myself rooting for them, crying with them and laughing out loud with them.
I do wish that I had gotten to know one of the characters a bit better and also would love to see this group continue their search and also research into their history. There are still a lot of unanswered questions which leads me to believe there will be a sequel. This would be most welcome to this reader.
In Summary, MEANT TO BE is a combination of all the things I love: paranormal romance, mystery, suspense, humor and intrigue plus some unforeseen plot twists and turns. It is an amazing book with exceptional characters, amazing plot and a great twist away from the usual fare of the genre.
The main character, Krista is incredibly intelligent, a model teenager with loving adoptive parents. Krista’s never had friends and keeps to herself, not out of preference but out of necessity. Krista is severely empathetic, unable to get to close to anyone without becoming overwhelmed by their emotions. She doesn’t just feel one emotion; she feels them all, sometimes to the point of making her physically ill. The only thing that has kept her sane are her nightly visits with an unknown boy she meets on a twilight beach in her dreams. He has the power to soothe her during these dreams so that she can go on to face another day. She’s had these dreams all her life yet she never sees his face but he is as familiar to her as her own self.
After a tragedy, Krista and her mother move to Santa Cruz, a place that Krista has always felt drawn to. It’s a special place where she immediately feels at home. The ocean and the beach soothe her but her dreams take a drastic turn the day she arrives in Santa Cruz. Despite Krista’s inner turmoil, she vows to make her life there as best as she can for her mother’s sake. Krista’s enrolled in a prestigious private school where she meets Samantha (Sam) and for the first time in her life she feels connected to a real person and has a true friend who not only understands her but also has the exact same empathy as Krista only she’s learned to control it. She also meets Mark, the boy in her dreams and the connection is instantaneous and powerful. It isn’t long before another joins their group. Questions start arising about how they all feel so connected. Things start to get seriously awry for the group and danger lurks around every corner. Supernatural/paranormal forces seem to be at work but will they find out the answers before something tears them apart?
There are a lot of things I liked about MEANT TO BE, I felt an instant connection with Krista when she said “Chocolate talked to my soul” (Location 294) and “There was nothing like the smell of books, both new and old. If someone ever bottled the smell, I would be all over it.” (Location 233) Now, here’s a girl I could hang with! She loves chocolate and the smell of books and reading! Aside from that, I liked how well developed all the characters were. They were ‘step off the page’ realistic and I fell in love with all of them and found myself rooting for them, crying with them and laughing out loud with them.
I do wish that I had gotten to know one of the characters a bit better and also would love to see this group continue their search and also research into their history. There are still a lot of unanswered questions which leads me to believe there will be a sequel. This would be most welcome to this reader.
In Summary, MEANT TO BE is a combination of all the things I love: paranormal romance, mystery, suspense, humor and intrigue plus some unforeseen plot twists and turns. It is an amazing book with exceptional characters, amazing plot and a great twist away from the usual fare of the genre.
June 17, 2011
Let me preface this review by saying that I think a lot of things go into deciding how you feel about a book. Things like your life's perspective, your current mood, etc. I found this book very hard to get into. I didn't feel a connection to the characters and was only mildly drawn into the storyline. The whole time I was reading, I felt like the author was giving a laundry list of events and characteristics, instead of painting a picture where I could feel things and experience emotion and really get involved in the story. I didn't feel any emotion towards the characters. I don't mean to make any personal attacks, but in my opinion, this author just doesn't have a way with words. The story was OK, but the telling of it left so much to be desired. And like I said...maybe it's just me.
March 19, 2011
Was very excited to read this book after reading the blurb for it. It didn't disappoint!
Though there were a few editing errors (as an editor I'm more likely to note these however) they did not detract from the story itself.
Meant to Be is a fabulous story with excellent, well developed characters.
I COULD NOT STOP READING! Yes, I actually stayed up hours past my bedtime just to finish. I needed to see what happened next. This is why it gets 5 stars from me! I definitely recommend this lovely romantic tale! I can't wait to read more from this new author!
Though there were a few editing errors (as an editor I'm more likely to note these however) they did not detract from the story itself.
Meant to Be is a fabulous story with excellent, well developed characters.
I COULD NOT STOP READING! Yes, I actually stayed up hours past my bedtime just to finish. I needed to see what happened next. This is why it gets 5 stars from me! I definitely recommend this lovely romantic tale! I can't wait to read more from this new author!
June 5, 2011
Tiffany King's debut novel, Meant to Be, deserves to be where it is... at the top of the Kindle besteller lists. It is unique, detailed and the narrative sings. I was sucked in by the unique storyline and held captive by the compelling characters.
I lost my own father a few years ago, so I was quickly able to relate to the main character on that level. And I love stories about soul mates. The romance of it all gets me every time.
Meant to Be is a well-written, moving debut novel. I look forward to future works from this author. Well done!
I lost my own father a few years ago, so I was quickly able to relate to the main character on that level. And I love stories about soul mates. The romance of it all gets me every time.
Meant to Be is a well-written, moving debut novel. I look forward to future works from this author. Well done!
August 26, 2013
This was a bit of a boring one.
There was no action at all until the 70% mark, and when it did come, i was too bored for it to make much of an impact.
The romance in this annoyed me a bit. It was like the majority of YA books where the main character can't live without her crush, but in this one, it took it to the extreme.
They literally couldn't live without each other, and at times it really did wear thin.
The characters were pretty average. I didn't dislike them, but i didn't love them either.
I liked Sam the best, but she still wasn't a character i really connected with.
There was no action at all until the 70% mark, and when it did come, i was too bored for it to make much of an impact.
The romance in this annoyed me a bit. It was like the majority of YA books where the main character can't live without her crush, but in this one, it took it to the extreme.
They literally couldn't live without each other, and at times it really did wear thin.
The characters were pretty average. I didn't dislike them, but i didn't love them either.
I liked Sam the best, but she still wasn't a character i really connected with.
March 15, 2011
I was lucky enough to get a pre-release copy of this!! Grabs you right from the first page! It was easy to pass time getting lost in this book. Tiffany King is great at using just the right descriptions in each scene to really place you right there next to the characters. Looking forward to the continuation already!
March 16, 2011
Check out my review here:
http://www.memyshelfandi.com/2011/03/...
http://www.memyshelfandi.com/2011/03/...
February 22, 2013
totally intrigued! moving on to book 2. My thoughts are running a mile a minute!!
March 16, 2014
To read my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
This was a phenomenal novel! I am always extremely impressed when authors come up with a completely original idea and make it come alive on the page, and King is a superb writer that does just that. Krista and Mark are beautiful characters that I want to meet in person—I want them to be real; their caring personalities and wonderful abilities make me wish we could be friends. King has written their dispositions and life events so convincingly that I truly feel like I know them.
This novel was a roller coaster ride for me; the sensations I felt as I read were extremely real: anger, gratitude, sadness, anxiety… I felt it all and, on more than one occasion, I actually yelled at the characters, as if they could hear me… I could see it all in my mind’s eye, and that, for me, is what really makes a book phenomenal. I felt like I became one with Krista, feeling her pain, her confusion, her anger, and it amazes me that I felt so strongly throughout the entire novel, especially as one of Krista’s abilities is her strong sense of emotions—I really connected with her on that point as I read, which is a testament to King’s sheer writing capabilities. I admit that some of the characters really upset me, such as Matt, and even Krista’s mother, and on more than one occasion I wanted to punch them in the face (professional, I know). But, King has created these characters to evoke this exact emotion, and as King was able to induce these feeling in me, as the reader, I know that she is destined for great things as an author!
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
This was a phenomenal novel! I am always extremely impressed when authors come up with a completely original idea and make it come alive on the page, and King is a superb writer that does just that. Krista and Mark are beautiful characters that I want to meet in person—I want them to be real; their caring personalities and wonderful abilities make me wish we could be friends. King has written their dispositions and life events so convincingly that I truly feel like I know them.
This novel was a roller coaster ride for me; the sensations I felt as I read were extremely real: anger, gratitude, sadness, anxiety… I felt it all and, on more than one occasion, I actually yelled at the characters, as if they could hear me… I could see it all in my mind’s eye, and that, for me, is what really makes a book phenomenal. I felt like I became one with Krista, feeling her pain, her confusion, her anger, and it amazes me that I felt so strongly throughout the entire novel, especially as one of Krista’s abilities is her strong sense of emotions—I really connected with her on that point as I read, which is a testament to King’s sheer writing capabilities. I admit that some of the characters really upset me, such as Matt, and even Krista’s mother, and on more than one occasion I wanted to punch them in the face (professional, I know). But, King has created these characters to evoke this exact emotion, and as King was able to induce these feeling in me, as the reader, I know that she is destined for great things as an author!
March 18, 2011
OHHHEMMMGEEE!!! This book was a blast to read. I totally did not see this one coming. I will not spoil it for you all but, WOW!!
The characters in this book were awesome. People I could really see myself connecting to and hanging out with. I love Krista and Sam as best friends. Mark and Shawn were equally awesome. I love the take on this subject (again, I will not say as this is part of what made this whole book so out of this world for me).
After reading this, I absolutely want to visit Santa Cruz! I want to walk along the boardwalk and go down to the beach. Although I am a chicken for scary rides, I want to go check out the rides and watch people have fun on them. Hopefully one day soon.
My only question is...when does the sequel come out?! Loved it♥♥!!!
Many thanks to Tiffany for letting me read this early. I was so thrilled to be one of the bloggers chosen. :D
You can find this awesome read at: http://www.amazon.com/Meant-to-Be-ebo...
The characters in this book were awesome. People I could really see myself connecting to and hanging out with. I love Krista and Sam as best friends. Mark and Shawn were equally awesome. I love the take on this subject (again, I will not say as this is part of what made this whole book so out of this world for me).
After reading this, I absolutely want to visit Santa Cruz! I want to walk along the boardwalk and go down to the beach. Although I am a chicken for scary rides, I want to go check out the rides and watch people have fun on them. Hopefully one day soon.
My only question is...when does the sequel come out?! Loved it♥♥!!!
Many thanks to Tiffany for letting me read this early. I was so thrilled to be one of the bloggers chosen. :D
You can find this awesome read at: http://www.amazon.com/Meant-to-Be-ebo...
March 28, 2011
What if you had the same dream every night for as long as you can remember? And what if you suddenly ran into the boy from your dreams? Krista did just that. Plus friends at her new school seem to have a connection to the emotional sensitivity she has had her whole life. Together they try to unravel the mystery of who they really are.
Wow. Just, wow. This paranormal coming of age novel by debut author Tiffany King blew my mind. King’s natural grace and ease with YA prose will take her far. I felt immediately welcomed into the story and at home with the heroine’s world. Her concerns and mysteries immediately became mine as I easily lost myself in the pages. Perfect for teen readers or adult lovers of YA or paranormal books. I enthusiastically await more from Tiffany King.
Conclusion:
If you get a change to read Meant to Be, I highly recommend picking it up. Take a chance on this debut indie author. Intriguing and full of energy, Meant to Be is a page-turner. You will not be disappointed!
Wow. Just, wow. This paranormal coming of age novel by debut author Tiffany King blew my mind. King’s natural grace and ease with YA prose will take her far. I felt immediately welcomed into the story and at home with the heroine’s world. Her concerns and mysteries immediately became mine as I easily lost myself in the pages. Perfect for teen readers or adult lovers of YA or paranormal books. I enthusiastically await more from Tiffany King.
Conclusion:
If you get a change to read Meant to Be, I highly recommend picking it up. Take a chance on this debut indie author. Intriguing and full of energy, Meant to Be is a page-turner. You will not be disappointed!
September 6, 2012
This is a fun, suspenseful, emotionally satisfying YA pnr thriller. I really enjoyed the MC, with all of her sensitivity issues, you had to know something was up. It was cool and atmospheric, too, with the whole haunting Santa Cruz connection and the interesting mythology Tiffany has created. Looking forward to the next two installments! I love the way Tiffany writes, it's fresh and can deal with serious emotional topics without getting all heavy and tendentious. It kind of reminded me of Escape to Witch Mountain (the original!) one of my favorite Disney movies from back in the day, only with romance and obvs, a more adult treatment. Satisfying ending, but leaves you wanting more, for sure!
March 18, 2011
What if the only boy you knew you could ever love wasn’t real? That he was someone who comes to you in your dreams every single night. The only one who you truly feel connected to. And that upon waking your reality feels more like a dream world. What would you do if the only real happiness you felt was while you were asleep?
Krista Miller has had dreams of the same boy her entire life. They’ve both grown up together in her dreams, and yet she has never been able to see his face. He remains a mystery to her.
Perhaps it is because of her connection to this imaginary boy or because of her special sensitivity to the emotions of others around her, Krista has always remained friendless and alone. Shielded by her parents, she has managed to make it through, but with the loss of her father, she and her mother decide to make a change.
She had always been drawn to Santa Cruz, California. It is where she believes she goes in her dreams each night. So when this part of her dream world finally becomes her reality she is ecstatic. Will these be the same beaches she’s walked in dream? If she stands at the water’s edge will her ethereal soul mate become corporeal?
But when her once beautiful dreams turn to nightmares as the boy she loves gets ripped away night after night, she begins to wonder if somehow being in Santa Cruz is the cause. And when the secrets she thought she’s kept hidden are revealed, she learns that she may not be as alone as she once believed.
***
Meant to Be is an imaginative and enchanting debut novel from author Tiffany King that begins with a series of beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive passages that set the pace and mood for the remainder of the story.
Krista Miller is a girl who hasn’t really found her place in the world. She’s always felt different from her peers and been extremely sensitive to the emotional climate around her, preferring always to stay under the radar so as not to draw attention to herself.
All this changes when she moves to Santa Cruz. She meets a girl who seems to know just what she’s been going through and who she feels instantly connected to. And when she then meets a boy with whom she feels even more connected, she realizes that it must be more than a coincidence.
In Meant to Be we follow along with Krista as she uncovers the mystery of who she is and why she feels such kinship with people she barely knows. What at first seems like simply an elegantly written novel about a shy young girl is in fact a much more complex story with a twist that will keep readers guessing as to who the characters are and how it will end.
Author Tiffany King has taken an unconventional approach with her story in this genre. Rather than being immediately thrust into the action and turmoil at the outset, the suspense continues to build and the pace begins to quicken as the story progresses, until all comes to a head about three-fourths of the way in. And from that point forward the story will have readers racing through the pages while holding their breath with anticipation to find out what will happen to the characters they’ve grown to love.
This story is one that will be enjoyable for readers of any age and although it does not end with a cliffhanger there are still questions to be answered and much more story to be told.
On a personal note:
I discovered the author on Twitter and clicked a link to her blog where she had a teaser about her new book, Meant to Be. What a teaser it was. (Just check it out if you don’t believe me!) It was a simply beautiful passage that completely left me desperately wanting to read more.
And I was not disappointed in the least! I love Krista and Mark and was completely surprised when all was revealed.
I will not say too much because the ending is part of what makes this so full of awesome, but the paranormal element was different and creative and turned this story into a mega nail-biter.
Only drawback – I want to read more and this book just came out, so now I have to wait and hope for a sequel. By the end I was so in love with the story that I am heartbroken that I will have to wait for who knows how long for the author’s imagination to be transferred to the page and published.
And if you’re wondering –
Yes, I received an advance read for this, but no that did not sway my rating.
And yes, reading the pdf on my Kindle made the font so tiny I could barely see it, but I did not take off a star for that.
Yes, I think the author is amazing and sweet, but I promise my ratings were based on the read.
And finally, yes, I knew someone named Mark Russo that I couldn’t stand, and as you can see I did not lower the rating because of that, either.
Krista Miller has had dreams of the same boy her entire life. They’ve both grown up together in her dreams, and yet she has never been able to see his face. He remains a mystery to her.
Perhaps it is because of her connection to this imaginary boy or because of her special sensitivity to the emotions of others around her, Krista has always remained friendless and alone. Shielded by her parents, she has managed to make it through, but with the loss of her father, she and her mother decide to make a change.
She had always been drawn to Santa Cruz, California. It is where she believes she goes in her dreams each night. So when this part of her dream world finally becomes her reality she is ecstatic. Will these be the same beaches she’s walked in dream? If she stands at the water’s edge will her ethereal soul mate become corporeal?
But when her once beautiful dreams turn to nightmares as the boy she loves gets ripped away night after night, she begins to wonder if somehow being in Santa Cruz is the cause. And when the secrets she thought she’s kept hidden are revealed, she learns that she may not be as alone as she once believed.
***
Meant to Be is an imaginative and enchanting debut novel from author Tiffany King that begins with a series of beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive passages that set the pace and mood for the remainder of the story.
Krista Miller is a girl who hasn’t really found her place in the world. She’s always felt different from her peers and been extremely sensitive to the emotional climate around her, preferring always to stay under the radar so as not to draw attention to herself.
All this changes when she moves to Santa Cruz. She meets a girl who seems to know just what she’s been going through and who she feels instantly connected to. And when she then meets a boy with whom she feels even more connected, she realizes that it must be more than a coincidence.
In Meant to Be we follow along with Krista as she uncovers the mystery of who she is and why she feels such kinship with people she barely knows. What at first seems like simply an elegantly written novel about a shy young girl is in fact a much more complex story with a twist that will keep readers guessing as to who the characters are and how it will end.
Author Tiffany King has taken an unconventional approach with her story in this genre. Rather than being immediately thrust into the action and turmoil at the outset, the suspense continues to build and the pace begins to quicken as the story progresses, until all comes to a head about three-fourths of the way in. And from that point forward the story will have readers racing through the pages while holding their breath with anticipation to find out what will happen to the characters they’ve grown to love.
This story is one that will be enjoyable for readers of any age and although it does not end with a cliffhanger there are still questions to be answered and much more story to be told.
On a personal note:
I discovered the author on Twitter and clicked a link to her blog where she had a teaser about her new book, Meant to Be. What a teaser it was. (Just check it out if you don’t believe me!) It was a simply beautiful passage that completely left me desperately wanting to read more.
And I was not disappointed in the least! I love Krista and Mark and was completely surprised when all was revealed.
I will not say too much because the ending is part of what makes this so full of awesome, but the paranormal element was different and creative and turned this story into a mega nail-biter.
Only drawback – I want to read more and this book just came out, so now I have to wait and hope for a sequel. By the end I was so in love with the story that I am heartbroken that I will have to wait for who knows how long for the author’s imagination to be transferred to the page and published.
And if you’re wondering –
Yes, I received an advance read for this, but no that did not sway my rating.
And yes, reading the pdf on my Kindle made the font so tiny I could barely see it, but I did not take off a star for that.
Yes, I think the author is amazing and sweet, but I promise my ratings were based on the read.
And finally, yes, I knew someone named Mark Russo that I couldn’t stand, and as you can see I did not lower the rating because of that, either.
February 17, 2013
4.5 serendipitous stars!!!
**Free on amazon!! http://www.amazon.com/Meant-Saving-An...
Wow. I was really surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this story!! So, I think the plot somewhat similar to the Significance Series by Shelly Crane. I’ve never read that series, but the general concept, or idea of the “soul mate” seems very similar. But, I think this one is unique in its own way. As cheesy as that might sound, I’m a sucker for all that.
So, the thing that explains or justifies the “insta-love” is, I guess, the whole soul-mate spin. But, it’s not necessarily so “instant” because, Krista and Mark have been meeting in their dreams since they were children; always in similar places, on the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. The strange thing is, after Krista’s father dies an untimely death, her mom and her move to Santa Cruz. However, one day, Mark is violently snatched away from Krista’s dream, and she can’t help feel the physical effects of not meeting him in her dreams.
Fast forward: Krista and Mark meet in real-life. Instantly, they’re drawn to each other. Much like when weres/shifters meet their “mates,” they just know. However, Mark is the “instructor” at her new, fancy, private school. So things get tricky. More or less, some high-school drama ensues.
But on the bright side, Krista meets a new friend, Samantha. Krista’s extremely sensitive to emotions and she gets PHYSICALLY SICK from her emotions, or the emotions of others. Strangely, Sam does too. And believe it or not, Sam’s boyfriend is the boy from Sam’s dreams, too! Weird coincidences start to pile up, and the story takes a positive turn to the paranormal. I’m glad to report that the paranormal aspect was quite unique.
But then the bad guys get involved, and some shitty things happen. Those parts didn’t feel TOO unique, or original, but I didn’t mind.
It’s then revealed that Krista and the others are special. And they’re all paired off; there are 6 of them total. 5/6 have all been abandoned by their birth parents, and have lived in various foster homes, or with adoptive parents. All the girls share the same sensitivity to emotions, while the guys get overly aggressive, or protective.
All in all, I don’t want to spoil the story, but I read this all in one setting. I was hooked! Although I would’ve liked to see more development between Shawn and Krista, I was very pleased with the story. I kind of wish the story was in multiple POVs; I would’ve liked to read what Mark was thinking. Ultimately, I think this first installment is showing A LOT of potential for the trilogy as a whole, and it definitely got my full attention. Great.Freaking.Start.
**Free on amazon!! http://www.amazon.com/Meant-Saving-An...
Wow. I was really surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this story!! So, I think the plot somewhat similar to the Significance Series by Shelly Crane. I’ve never read that series, but the general concept, or idea of the “soul mate” seems very similar. But, I think this one is unique in its own way. As cheesy as that might sound, I’m a sucker for all that.
So, the thing that explains or justifies the “insta-love” is, I guess, the whole soul-mate spin. But, it’s not necessarily so “instant” because, Krista and Mark have been meeting in their dreams since they were children; always in similar places, on the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. The strange thing is, after Krista’s father dies an untimely death, her mom and her move to Santa Cruz. However, one day, Mark is violently snatched away from Krista’s dream, and she can’t help feel the physical effects of not meeting him in her dreams.
Fast forward: Krista and Mark meet in real-life. Instantly, they’re drawn to each other. Much like when weres/shifters meet their “mates,” they just know. However, Mark is the “instructor” at her new, fancy, private school. So things get tricky. More or less, some high-school drama ensues.
But on the bright side, Krista meets a new friend, Samantha. Krista’s extremely sensitive to emotions and she gets PHYSICALLY SICK from her emotions, or the emotions of others. Strangely, Sam does too. And believe it or not, Sam’s boyfriend is the boy from Sam’s dreams, too! Weird coincidences start to pile up, and the story takes a positive turn to the paranormal. I’m glad to report that the paranormal aspect was quite unique.
But then the bad guys get involved, and some shitty things happen. Those parts didn’t feel TOO unique, or original, but I didn’t mind.
It’s then revealed that Krista and the others are special. And they’re all paired off; there are 6 of them total. 5/6 have all been abandoned by their birth parents, and have lived in various foster homes, or with adoptive parents. All the girls share the same sensitivity to emotions, while the guys get overly aggressive, or protective.
All in all, I don’t want to spoil the story, but I read this all in one setting. I was hooked! Although I would’ve liked to see more development between Shawn and Krista, I was very pleased with the story. I kind of wish the story was in multiple POVs; I would’ve liked to read what Mark was thinking. Ultimately, I think this first installment is showing A LOT of potential for the trilogy as a whole, and it definitely got my full attention. Great.Freaking.Start.
May 16, 2011
I am allergic to spoilers. So much so that I often do not even read the synopsis of a book! I want to just experience the story, that is what I did with Meant to Be by Tiffany King. I was not disappointed. Krista is likeable and interesting. She likes to read and is a bit of a loner at first. When she moves to a new town she makes what seems to be her first real friend. I enjoyed reading about their friendship especially since they had a couple of disagreements. Those interactions made it feel more like a real friendship.
Once she meets Mark, things really get rolling and I was excited to read about every new development. Even then I felt like the story really took its time and added just the smallest bit of information at a time, but I enjoyed that rather than being frustrated. I have to admit that their love borders on insta-love, which I am not a fan of. Because of her dreams and the fact that she does resist at first it was more believable and I was able to accept it. Mark also is really sweet and never crosses into stalker territory in my opinion. As a matter of fact he respects boundaries that are set on their relationship (mostly).
I was also glad to see a mother act like a mother! When things seem inappropriate to her she puts her foot down and I appreciated that. The story takes an unexpected but completely understandable turn towards the end of the book. I knew that there was an answer for what was going on with Krista but I can honestly say I never guessed what it was. I enjoyed being surprised as it so rarely happens lately. Likeable characters, great writing, and an interesting story; overall a great start to a new series.
BOTTOM LINE: I WAS TRULY SURPRISED WITH THE ANSWERS IN THIS BOOK, CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL.
Once she meets Mark, things really get rolling and I was excited to read about every new development. Even then I felt like the story really took its time and added just the smallest bit of information at a time, but I enjoyed that rather than being frustrated. I have to admit that their love borders on insta-love, which I am not a fan of. Because of her dreams and the fact that she does resist at first it was more believable and I was able to accept it. Mark also is really sweet and never crosses into stalker territory in my opinion. As a matter of fact he respects boundaries that are set on their relationship (mostly).
I was also glad to see a mother act like a mother! When things seem inappropriate to her she puts her foot down and I appreciated that. The story takes an unexpected but completely understandable turn towards the end of the book. I knew that there was an answer for what was going on with Krista but I can honestly say I never guessed what it was. I enjoyed being surprised as it so rarely happens lately. Likeable characters, great writing, and an interesting story; overall a great start to a new series.
BOTTOM LINE: I WAS TRULY SURPRISED WITH THE ANSWERS IN THIS BOOK, CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL.
April 14, 2011
Meant To Be is a strange yet enticing book! You cannot put it down once you get into it! Literally. The week I started Meant To Be was the week I had Midterms. I couldn’t put it down!
Meant To Be is a little different from what I usually read. I really like the whole concept behind this book and the special “powers” that the characters have. They also are able to “connect” with each other, which was pretty cool in my opinion.
The romance is a bit different because of the special “powers” they have. I think it’s pretty unique and interesting to learn more about each other through the powers they all share. The powers they have give the book a nice little something to it. I really enjoy Krista and Mark. Their relationship was odd, yet different because I can feel that they are different than the other couples throughout the story. They "click" and their relationship stands out to me more than the others. Something about them too really keeps me guessing towards the end of how they will survive.
The characters are developed really well. They really surprise you with what they can do and how they react to different things when exposed to. Their emotions trigger their abilities and sometimes that may not be a good thing. However, they learn to control it. Each character has their own backgrounds and how they were raised. It’s sad, really.
The setting of the book dates back to their parents and how they are “connected” up until they finally meet each other and become friends with one another. Everything unfolds when they meet; where they came from, who they are, and what they are.
This book keeps you wanting more! I can’t wait for the sequel to come out! I can’t wait to know what the characters have in store for them in the next book.
Meant To Be is a little different from what I usually read. I really like the whole concept behind this book and the special “powers” that the characters have. They also are able to “connect” with each other, which was pretty cool in my opinion.
The romance is a bit different because of the special “powers” they have. I think it’s pretty unique and interesting to learn more about each other through the powers they all share. The powers they have give the book a nice little something to it. I really enjoy Krista and Mark. Their relationship was odd, yet different because I can feel that they are different than the other couples throughout the story. They "click" and their relationship stands out to me more than the others. Something about them too really keeps me guessing towards the end of how they will survive.
The characters are developed really well. They really surprise you with what they can do and how they react to different things when exposed to. Their emotions trigger their abilities and sometimes that may not be a good thing. However, they learn to control it. Each character has their own backgrounds and how they were raised. It’s sad, really.
The setting of the book dates back to their parents and how they are “connected” up until they finally meet each other and become friends with one another. Everything unfolds when they meet; where they came from, who they are, and what they are.
This book keeps you wanting more! I can’t wait for the sequel to come out! I can’t wait to know what the characters have in store for them in the next book.
April 11, 2011
First of all, don't let star ratings fool you. There is a lot to love about this book. At first, I was afraid this was going to fall under what I refer to as "Twilight Syndrome." You know, imperfect girl meets perfect guy of her dreams who then exhibits bizarre almost stalkerish behavior that is passed off as "romantic." I'm clearly not a fan of that. This book turned out to be much more though. Once I had finished, I was left with the urge to start again from the beginning, as I was seeing everything in a new light. The plot was very interesting, and there were plenty of surprises until the end.
That being said, there were a few technical issues. For some reason the formatting was kind of weird on my e-reader. There were be breaks in paragraphs in random places. It was especially bothersome when there were breaks in the dialogue. Sometimes I'd have to read it a few times to see who was speaking via context clues. I'm not sure what the issue was really. Also, there were some grammatical issues. This may not be a problem for some people, but it tends to pull me out of the narrative. That's more of a personal issue though.
The pacing in the beginning felt a bit slow, but any shortcomings were made up for in the last 40 pages or so. It felt like that's where the story really became fully realized, and it was a fantastic ending. Not only did the story feel original, but it left me wanting more. I really was on the edge of my seat, and I would love to know what happens next.
I would recommend this book for sure. It starts out as one thing, but turns into another book entirely by the end. The romance aspect that I felt was overdone in the beginning made perfect sense in the end. I will definitely look for the authors next book.
That being said, there were a few technical issues. For some reason the formatting was kind of weird on my e-reader. There were be breaks in paragraphs in random places. It was especially bothersome when there were breaks in the dialogue. Sometimes I'd have to read it a few times to see who was speaking via context clues. I'm not sure what the issue was really. Also, there were some grammatical issues. This may not be a problem for some people, but it tends to pull me out of the narrative. That's more of a personal issue though.
The pacing in the beginning felt a bit slow, but any shortcomings were made up for in the last 40 pages or so. It felt like that's where the story really became fully realized, and it was a fantastic ending. Not only did the story feel original, but it left me wanting more. I really was on the edge of my seat, and I would love to know what happens next.
I would recommend this book for sure. It starts out as one thing, but turns into another book entirely by the end. The romance aspect that I felt was overdone in the beginning made perfect sense in the end. I will definitely look for the authors next book.
May 29, 2011
It was really refreshing reading a UF romance novel with that doesn’t include the complicated love triangle. While I was in La La land, I was completely blindsided by something I did not at all see coming and then it goes from being only a romance novel to high intensity!
As soon as I picked up Meant to Be I was immediately intrigued by Krista, the life she lived and what has become of herself. Krista’s whole life has been complicated. She was found abandoned at the age of 2, she is sensitive to others emotions enough to make her terribly ill AND every night she goes to bed and dreams about a boy. Her and the boy with out a face grow up together in her dream and the dream boy is Krista's main comfort. After Krista's dad dies, her and her mother decide to move to the same place she has always been drawn to. Santa Cruz. Krista’s dreams have taken a turn for the worst. Every night, her dream is cut short and her dream guy is pulled away from her. What is cause?
I can't say that Krista is my favorite character because there are several characters that I really grew attached to. I LOVE Sam, who doesn't love Mark and I hope that I get to read more about Shawn in the next book. Even though there is only a couple pages with Robert and Lynn, I already like Lynn and I am looking forward to reading more about them as well.
I am really looking forward to see what will happen now that they know who they are and what is they need to do!
As soon as I picked up Meant to Be I was immediately intrigued by Krista, the life she lived and what has become of herself. Krista’s whole life has been complicated. She was found abandoned at the age of 2, she is sensitive to others emotions enough to make her terribly ill AND every night she goes to bed and dreams about a boy. Her and the boy with out a face grow up together in her dream and the dream boy is Krista's main comfort. After Krista's dad dies, her and her mother decide to move to the same place she has always been drawn to. Santa Cruz. Krista’s dreams have taken a turn for the worst. Every night, her dream is cut short and her dream guy is pulled away from her. What is cause?
I can't say that Krista is my favorite character because there are several characters that I really grew attached to. I LOVE Sam, who doesn't love Mark and I hope that I get to read more about Shawn in the next book. Even though there is only a couple pages with Robert and Lynn, I already like Lynn and I am looking forward to reading more about them as well.
I am really looking forward to see what will happen now that they know who they are and what is they need to do!
June 5, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed Tiffany King’s debut novel, “Meant to Be.” Krista Miller is a super-sensitive teen, but not in the typical sense. Her emotions are too overpowering to live the life of a normal teen and she is without friends. However, Krista does have someone special: a boy who appears in her dreams every night, and who after a sudden move to Santa Cruz, California, turns out to be a living, breathing person, Mark, who has been having the same dreams. They recognize (and love) one another immediately.
Additionally, at her new school in Santa Cruz, Krista meets another girl, Sam, who has the same connection with a boy named Shawn as she does with Mark. The four become acutely aware of their commonalities and begin searching for answers. Tiffany King keeps the suspense going as the characters explore the possibilities, unaware that danger is just around the corner.
I’m so glad to know that the author is writing a sequel to this delightful book. The end of “Meant to Be,” while satisfying, also will serve well as the beginning to the next book in this YA Paranormal series. I look forward to the development of the characters and their further adventures. I have no doubt that Tiffany King has some exciting plans in the works.
Additionally, at her new school in Santa Cruz, Krista meets another girl, Sam, who has the same connection with a boy named Shawn as she does with Mark. The four become acutely aware of their commonalities and begin searching for answers. Tiffany King keeps the suspense going as the characters explore the possibilities, unaware that danger is just around the corner.
I’m so glad to know that the author is writing a sequel to this delightful book. The end of “Meant to Be,” while satisfying, also will serve well as the beginning to the next book in this YA Paranormal series. I look forward to the development of the characters and their further adventures. I have no doubt that Tiffany King has some exciting plans in the works.
March 22, 2012
Beginning of review visit www.supagurlbooks.blogspot.com for all of it!!
Meant to Be is just outright Amazing! I loved everything about this book. I went into reading it without reading the blurb b/c that's how I roll. I was instantly pulled in and couldn't put it down. The story line flows really well and doesn't drag. There is just enough to keep you guessing as to what is going on. Also, Tiffany has earned a spot with Author Shelly Crane as an amazing Swoony writer *yes I make up words to explain the awesomeness*
Meant to Be is just outright Amazing! I loved everything about this book. I went into reading it without reading the blurb b/c that's how I roll. I was instantly pulled in and couldn't put it down. The story line flows really well and doesn't drag. There is just enough to keep you guessing as to what is going on. Also, Tiffany has earned a spot with Author Shelly Crane as an amazing Swoony writer *yes I make up words to explain the awesomeness*
April 7, 2013
Stories having a soul mate concept still haven't lost its appeal to me. I really like this book and the cover of course! It's cute, fast paced, full of cheesy lines and scenes, adorable couples and interesting plot, I'm really looking forward to the development of the story in the succeeding books.
*sigh*
I want to find my own dream guy too. I hope that there he is, also waiting for me, my other half whom I can call my very own soul mate.
yeah I know it's cheesy but come on, a girl can dream right?? ;)
February 24, 2013
*sigh* tiffany king. she makes my little heart go pitter patter. the emotions she evokes.....
i love that i can go from scared, to all melty, to laughing all in the span of 20 pages with her books. Meant To Be is no exception. The moment that Krista found out about Mark? *sigh* Definitely a must read in my eyes.
i love that i can go from scared, to all melty, to laughing all in the span of 20 pages with her books. Meant To Be is no exception. The moment that Krista found out about Mark? *sigh* Definitely a must read in my eyes.
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