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Sweetbriar Cove #1
Meant to Be
Poppy Somerville believes in happily-ever-after. It’s the reason her romance novels have won devoted readers all over the world—and why she’s broken off her engagement just weeks before the wedding instead of settling for less than true love. Escaping to her aunt’s beach cottage in Sweetbriar Cove, Poppy is looking for inspiration to end her writer’s block and finish her new book. She just wasn’t counting on the handsome, gruff contractor making such a racket next door…
Cooper Nicholson doesn’t believe in soul-mates. He thought he’d found his forever once, and the world proved him wrong, so when the cute brunette comes storming over and demands he keep the noise down, romance is the last thing on his mind. But his new neighbor is full of surprises, and soon, their chemistry is too hot to ignore.
As they grow closer, they discover fiction has nothing on the plot twists life has in store. But will Cooper find a way to let go of the past and risk his heart again? And can Poppy find her happy ending — on and off the page?
Cooper Nicholson doesn’t believe in soul-mates. He thought he’d found his forever once, and the world proved him wrong, so when the cute brunette comes storming over and demands he keep the noise down, romance is the last thing on his mind. But his new neighbor is full of surprises, and soon, their chemistry is too hot to ignore.
As they grow closer, they discover fiction has nothing on the plot twists life has in store. But will Cooper find a way to let go of the past and risk his heart again? And can Poppy find her happy ending — on and off the page?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2017
14583 people are currently reading
4147 people want to read
About the author
Melody Grace
69 books2,637 followersNYT bestselling author of small-town romance. A new chapter in the Sweetbriar Cove series begins with Two Hearts - July 30th!
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February 24, 2017
A true love story never ends.
Over three years ago, I fell in love with the Beachwood Bay series, a small town romance set along the Carolina shore, a romance that felt real, and an author, Melody Grace, who would be a favorite for life. I mourned the end of this saga, 13 books that became part of my life…13 books that felt real…13 books that were unforgettable.
There is just something SPECIAL about a Melody Grace story where romance oozes from the pages and butterflies flutter around you like a Hallmark movie. I LOVE A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE!!! Meant to Be Meant to Be is a Hallmark movie in words, a giddy-inducing, good old-fashioned love story. This romance immediately made my heart dance and my soul sing as butterflies fluttered around me, making all of my senses soar to life.
Beautiful Poppy Somerville is a romance author who believes in soul-mates and fairy tales, but is still looking for her Prince Charming. After a broken engagement, she jets off at her aunt’s Cape Cod beach retreat in Sweetbriar Cove to focus on her writing and relax at the beach. Except relaxing and writing are hard when her annoying next-door neighbor, hot contractor, Cooper Nicholson, is making noise from dawn until dusk.
Cooper Nicholson with his dark hair, blue eyes, and tall and muscular body is all man. A contractor who restores old, broken homes into beautiful ones. It’s too bad he doesn’t believe in the beauty of love.
“You don’t believe in love?”
“Yeah, but not like it is in the books. Real love is messy, and broken, and hard. Not all fairy tales and Prince Charming.”
“Says you.”
The banter between Cooper and Poppy was a fusion of heat and hate. I LOVED the combustible connection between Poppy and Cooper, enticing and emotionally-charged. Opposites who definitely attract.
“God, I’m such a cliché—the romance author who’s never been in love.”
Poppy won’t give up looking for love, and is shocked to find herself attracted to the annoying contractor. Sparks fly, and Poppy and Cooper can no longer ignore the electricity in the air. I felt their passion pound from the pages.
“I’ve been waiting all night to kiss you.”
“You just did.”
“Not properly. Not like this.”
The angst from that pent-up passion was an adrenaline-induced high…and oh did I FEEL THAT RUSH!
“…That hope, the longing—I think we all feel it, every day.”
"That passion, the feeling like you're not alone, and somebody sees you, all the way to your heart."
These inspiring words of love full of hope made me SWOON!!! I MELTED like molten lava as these lines sparked with LOVE AND LIFE.
“Was it all a game to you?”
Before a relationship can begin, the past surfaces for Prince Charming who flees like Cinderella at midnight.
“Maybe we’re just not meant to be.”
Will this real romance get its happy ending or will a plot twist change the course of this budding love story?
“Will you stay?”
Melody Grace has returned to her small town, beach setting roots with Meant to Be, a sweet and sexy romance that is the perfect escape. I SWOONED HARD, MY SOUL SOARED HIGH, and my heart was hit like a big wave by this beach town romance. This sweet and smoldering story set in a small town awakens all of the senses in a love story brought to life. Meant to Be swept me up like an ocean breeze, where I felt the ocean air, and smelled the salty water. I was immersed into a small town of intimate characters who quickly captured my heart.
Melody Grace’s newest small town beach romance is captivating and charming, sweet and sexy, and simply DIVINE!!! Meant to Be is a good old-fashioned love story. This small town fairy tale charmed its way into my heart as my soul sang with sound of the ocean, a tune of fate and forever love. Love found me sweet and sexy small town romance. Meant to Be is melt-worthy and magical!!! I LOVED this romantic trip to The Cape! This sweet and swoon-filled story was MY PERFECT ESCAPE. ❤
4.5 ‘meant to be’ stars
Because if some things weren’t meant to be, that meant there was plenty that was.
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February 27, 2017
A Sweet and deliciously mushy romance.
Do you believe in true love? The sweep you off your feet, swoony, happy ever after kind? Romance writer Poppy Somerville does even though she hasn’t been able to find it. Not wanting to settle for less than, she breaks off her engagement and takes refuge in her aunt’s home in the small and peaceful town of Sweetbriar Cove to see if she can shake the writer’s block that fell upon her when she got engaged. But can she find inspiration with the earsplitting noise going on next door?
Contractor Cooper Nicholson has a deadline to meet and shouldn’t be interested in accommodating the cute girl he picked on during a long ago summer turned into a beautiful writer. Especially when she has her head in soul-mate clouds while his broken heart can’t believe in them. But the attraction between them is too hard to ignore and as they get to know the grown up versions of themselves they discover that happily ever after isn’t just a fictional thing.
There’s something very satisfying about reading books that are set in small towns where the author effectively gives readers graphic details that allow the imagination to soar. I could easily picture Sweetbriar Cove, smell the ocean and imagine the people who inhabit it. On top of this, Melody Grace provides a sweet and sexy story with a charming heroine and hero with a bitter and jerkish outer shell but thoughtful and swoony middle.
Cooper and Poppy do not start off on the right foot. He’s a cynic who mocks romance books and is making way too much noise for her liking, and even though he finds her attractive she’s just too impractical and is only in town for a few weeks. She just ended a serious relationship and he can’t let go of the past nor his misplaced guilt.
They just didn’t make sense together but their attraction is palpable, so when their banter turns flirty and Cooper decides to be thoughtful, sexy lines get blurred and their relationship grows with cute dates and a little push from the meddling and well-meaning townsfolk. But can Poppy and Cooper find a middle ground?
This is a nice, feel good escape I’d love to read more about, especially Riley, Cooper’s rich bartender friend.
Meant to Be is book #1 in the The Sweetbriar Cove series by Melody Grace. It is a sweet and light standalone, contemporary romance, told from both point of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2mBkajG
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts taken from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Do you believe in true love? The sweep you off your feet, swoony, happy ever after kind? Romance writer Poppy Somerville does even though she hasn’t been able to find it. Not wanting to settle for less than, she breaks off her engagement and takes refuge in her aunt’s home in the small and peaceful town of Sweetbriar Cove to see if she can shake the writer’s block that fell upon her when she got engaged. But can she find inspiration with the earsplitting noise going on next door?
What if the love in her books were just fiction? What if she’d thrown her shot at happiness away on a fantasy?
Contractor Cooper Nicholson has a deadline to meet and shouldn’t be interested in accommodating the cute girl he picked on during a long ago summer turned into a beautiful writer. Especially when she has her head in soul-mate clouds while his broken heart can’t believe in them. But the attraction between them is too hard to ignore and as they get to know the grown up versions of themselves they discover that happily ever after isn’t just a fictional thing.
“Real love is messy, and broken, and hard. Not all fairy tales and Prince Charming.”
There’s something very satisfying about reading books that are set in small towns where the author effectively gives readers graphic details that allow the imagination to soar. I could easily picture Sweetbriar Cove, smell the ocean and imagine the people who inhabit it. On top of this, Melody Grace provides a sweet and sexy story with a charming heroine and hero with a bitter and jerkish outer shell but thoughtful and swoony middle.
“Sitting there, looking out at the darkening waves, with Poppy curled against his chest, he felt a sense of calm and total contentment wash over him.”
Cooper and Poppy do not start off on the right foot. He’s a cynic who mocks romance books and is making way too much noise for her liking, and even though he finds her attractive she’s just too impractical and is only in town for a few weeks. She just ended a serious relationship and he can’t let go of the past nor his misplaced guilt.
They just didn’t make sense together but their attraction is palpable, so when their banter turns flirty and Cooper decides to be thoughtful, sexy lines get blurred and their relationship grows with cute dates and a little push from the meddling and well-meaning townsfolk. But can Poppy and Cooper find a middle ground?
This is a nice, feel good escape I’d love to read more about, especially Riley, Cooper’s rich bartender friend.
Meant to Be is book #1 in the The Sweetbriar Cove series by Melody Grace. It is a sweet and light standalone, contemporary romance, told from both point of view with a happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2mBkajG
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts taken from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
January 28, 2018
Prva knjiga koju sam pročitala od Melody Grace, slatka, romantična, svidela mi se.
Poppy Sommerville odlazi u Sweerbriar Cove kako bi se oporavila od prekinutih zaruka i nadajući se da će prevazići spisateljsku blokadu. Stvari se menjaju kad naleti na starog prijatelja, Coopera Nicholsona. Poppy veruje u priče koje ona piše, da tamo negde postoji osoba koja je njena druga polovina, njeno 'srećni-do-kraja-života'. Cooper, sa druge strane, ne veruje u odnose uopšte, nakon što se njegova poslednja veza loše i naglo završila.
Uzalud pokušavajući da se međusobno ignorišu, kao i varnice koje lete između njih, Poppy i Cooper nastavljaju da se međusobno privlače.
Ukratko,sve se svodi na to da li će uspeti da prevaziđu njihove razlike. Na kraju sve bi se moglo završiti kao u bajci. Ili ne? ;)
Slatka priča, jedva čekam sledeću; o Summer i Graysonu!
Poppy Sommerville odlazi u Sweerbriar Cove kako bi se oporavila od prekinutih zaruka i nadajući se da će prevazići spisateljsku blokadu. Stvari se menjaju kad naleti na starog prijatelja, Coopera Nicholsona. Poppy veruje u priče koje ona piše, da tamo negde postoji osoba koja je njena druga polovina, njeno 'srećni-do-kraja-života'. Cooper, sa druge strane, ne veruje u odnose uopšte, nakon što se njegova poslednja veza loše i naglo završila.
Uzalud pokušavajući da se međusobno ignorišu, kao i varnice koje lete između njih, Poppy i Cooper nastavljaju da se međusobno privlače.
Ukratko,sve se svodi na to da li će uspeti da prevaziđu njihove razlike. Na kraju sve bi se moglo završiti kao u bajci. Ili ne? ;)
Slatka priča, jedva čekam sledeću; o Summer i Graysonu!
February 18, 2017
Title: Meant to Be
Series: Sweetbriar Cove #1
Author: Melody Grace
Release date: February 24, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
Poppy Somerville is a believer of happily ever afters, soulmates, and fairytale romance. In fact, she makes her living off of providing these things to others. As a romance writer, she has always stood firm in the ideals she promoted. She may not have had a life altering kind of love or been swept away with passion like in her books, but she knew that they were out there somewhere. When she breaks things off with her fiancé and flees to her Aunt's beach home in Sweetbriar Cove, she isn't so sure of anything anymore. Her doubts are causing an unfortunate case of writer's block, and she's hoping that a change of scenery and solitude will help her sort out her head.
What if the love in her books were just fiction? What if she’d thrown her shot at happiness away on a fantasy?
Cooper Nicholson is the owner and contractor of the house next door, making an ungodly amount of racket from the moment she arrives. After storming over to give him a piece of her mind, she realizes that they are already well acquainted. During her summer visits as a child, he used to pick on her and call her pipsqueak to her everlasting annoyance. It seems he's going to continue his habit of ruffling her feathers as an adult as well.
Cooper has no animosity towards her, in fact he finds her pretty cute, if a bit delusional. As far as he's concerned, the type of love she writes about is unrealistic and misleading. The loss of his father and his mother's abandonment have left him bitter to the concept of love. But his main issue ended up being that he wasn't able to make his one serious relationship work. He laid all the blame for the break up on himself for years, simply because she told him that "A relationship shouldn't be so hard" before giving up on him. I can understand being hesitant to try again, but his self-recrimination didn't really make sense to me.
A reluctant attraction grows and moves towards flirtation. But she is just fresh from a broken engagement, and he's still hung up on the mistakes of his past. Not only that, but once her book is completed, she has no reason to remain in town. They tried keep their boundaries in place, but they soon found that things don't always work out as planned.
He’d lost his mind even reaching for her in the first place, but damn if it hadn’t been the best ten seconds of temporary insanity he could remember.
I could empathize with Poppy, I thought her struggle to have faith in her career after her failed engagement was a valid one. She also wasn't one to pity her own situation, she didn't lick her wounds for long before she was working to overcome her setback. Cooper was a bit gruff at first, but her influence soon softened him up and brought out his more affectionate side. I thought their drive-in date was really cute and really enjoyed their interactions with some of the townspeople.
Overall, I did like the first installment in the Sweetbriar Cove series, I just didn't love it. I'm used to some considerable heat and butterflies from this author and in this case I wasn't completely feeling the spark. Additionally, the conflict at the end left a little to be desired.
I will admit that these two had me feeling a tad underwhelmed. Despite my few frustrations, it was still a sweet little light read. And this new set of characters certainly intrigued me enough to follow future installments so I will be keeping the next in line on my radar.
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February 25, 2017
4.5 Really
I think me and this book was "meant to be." Lol, I know a corny joke but I received this ARC book an exchange for a honest review. I love the characters especially the male. I saw myself in him and probably would have made similar decisions as him. I will explain why later but I won't now because it will include spoilers. I will however provide a longer review on Sunday night for those interested. I want to thank the author and her lovely assistant for providing me the book. I also want to say on Sunday I will be explaining why the female lead rub me the wrong way a few times. Although this may seem bias now, it will all be explained. But I would keep this on my to reread list, it provide a bunch of laughs and even an insight in my own emotions.
I think me and this book was "meant to be." Lol, I know a corny joke but I received this ARC book an exchange for a honest review. I love the characters especially the male. I saw myself in him and probably would have made similar decisions as him. I will explain why later but I won't now because it will include spoilers. I will however provide a longer review on Sunday night for those interested. I want to thank the author and her lovely assistant for providing me the book. I also want to say on Sunday I will be explaining why the female lead rub me the wrong way a few times. Although this may seem bias now, it will all be explained. But I would keep this on my to reread list, it provide a bunch of laughs and even an insight in my own emotions.
June 3, 2017
OK I am usually a very moody reader and get into only certain types of book but I had been given this copy for an honest review so I wanted to finish it. As soon as I read the first page I knew this book was going to be full of cliches. Writer heroine (check), leaving a relationship behind to go to a small town (check), suffering from a writers block (check)....love comes to fix all (check)...then the guy dumps you because he thinks he is not good enough for you (check), and finally you throw yourself at him after one small lame apology (check).
Please at the very least make an effort to write something new???? The characters were ok but the plot was just like an outline of Contemporary romance cliches.
Will not be reading this author again.
Please at the very least make an effort to write something new???? The characters were ok but the plot was just like an outline of Contemporary romance cliches.
Will not be reading this author again.
July 9, 2018
Amazon Bargain Bin / BookBub Ebook Bargain
(Tropes: Childhood Friends, Enemies to Lovers, )
Sometimes you strike gold. Or slightly scuffed silver…in the bargain bin. I was pleasantly surprised.
An uncomplicated contemporary love story. Like a cup of tea on a cold day. No highs, no lows, just cozy.
*****
Call her crazy, or naïve, or hopelessly romantic if you want—she’d heard it all. But ever since she sneaked her first drugstore romance novel to read under the covers at night, she’d believed. That there was someone for everyone; a pot for every lid. A place her heart could find a home.
*****
Plot: Poppy writes romance novels with happy endings (don’t they all have them??), but she can’t find the same ending of her own. So she ditches her fiancé, and escapes to Cape Cod to borrow her aunt’s house, while she tries to finish her next book. Only problem? Her childhood nemesis is working construction on the house next door.
- The sawing cut out, and a moment later, a man strolled out onto the deck. “What’s all the racket?” he demanded, safety goggles pushed up over his head and a power drill in his hands. Hello.
Who knew Cooper, Spitball King of Sweetbriar Cove, would grow up to be so . . . so . . . Delicious.
Cooper has also had some bad luck with love, so he’s not exactly supportive of Poppy’s books.
- “I know what it’s like to be fed a fairy tale, some happily-ever-after image of what life is going to be like. And all of that, it’s just a lie. Maybe if you told the truth about love, people wouldn’t be so disappointed in the end.”
And while I don’t really like it when one character swears off love due to one failed relationship.
- He’d already learned that love wasn’t enough. His love, at least. You could love someone as best you could, and still fall short of forever.
Because this book is easy. There’s insta-hate, insta-lust, then really-like-in-denial. Sex and love.
A fairly simple equation we have all comes across before. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
- She suddenly realized that for all her neighborly good intentions, she’d just invited the wolf through her door. The handsome, sexy wolf.
- When Cooper rejoined her, dressed in the sports gear, she didn’t even notice the way the T-shirt pulled over his muscular torso, or how the loose sweatpants inexplicably hugged his ass. Didn’t notice for long, at least.
- “We’re friends.”
Friends who kissed. Friends who were going out to dinner in an hour. Friends who had red-hot dreams about peeling off the other friend’s clothes and doing wicked things with them all night long.
- God help her, she was getting turned on by the way the man shifted gears.
- His gaze didn’t waver, that playful smile on the edge of his lips as he came closer, closer, until he was standing right in front of her. Close enough to touch.
He plucked her wineglass from her hand and set it on the table, then gently pressed his palm to her cheek.
“I’m glad you stopped by,” he said softly.
And Melody Grace is funny.
- “Text can be plenty romantic if you know the right emojis.”
“Shakespeare would be turning in his grave,” Franny tutted. “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Heart emoji, sun, winky face.”
- I swear I’ve seen this place before. Are you sure they didn’t shoot the last Nicholas Sparks movie here?” she asked, peering over the rim of her designer shades. “The one where someone dies in the end?”
3.5 stars
(Tropes: Childhood Friends, Enemies to Lovers, )
Sometimes you strike gold. Or slightly scuffed silver…in the bargain bin. I was pleasantly surprised.
An uncomplicated contemporary love story. Like a cup of tea on a cold day. No highs, no lows, just cozy.
*****
Call her crazy, or naïve, or hopelessly romantic if you want—she’d heard it all. But ever since she sneaked her first drugstore romance novel to read under the covers at night, she’d believed. That there was someone for everyone; a pot for every lid. A place her heart could find a home.
*****
Plot: Poppy writes romance novels with happy endings (don’t they all have them??), but she can’t find the same ending of her own. So she ditches her fiancé, and escapes to Cape Cod to borrow her aunt’s house, while she tries to finish her next book. Only problem? Her childhood nemesis is working construction on the house next door.
- The sawing cut out, and a moment later, a man strolled out onto the deck. “What’s all the racket?” he demanded, safety goggles pushed up over his head and a power drill in his hands. Hello.
Who knew Cooper, Spitball King of Sweetbriar Cove, would grow up to be so . . . so . . . Delicious.
Cooper has also had some bad luck with love, so he’s not exactly supportive of Poppy’s books.
- “I know what it’s like to be fed a fairy tale, some happily-ever-after image of what life is going to be like. And all of that, it’s just a lie. Maybe if you told the truth about love, people wouldn’t be so disappointed in the end.”
And while I don’t really like it when one character swears off love due to one failed relationship.
- He’d already learned that love wasn’t enough. His love, at least. You could love someone as best you could, and still fall short of forever.
Because this book is easy. There’s insta-hate, insta-lust, then really-like-in-denial. Sex and love.
A fairly simple equation we have all comes across before. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
- She suddenly realized that for all her neighborly good intentions, she’d just invited the wolf through her door. The handsome, sexy wolf.
- When Cooper rejoined her, dressed in the sports gear, she didn’t even notice the way the T-shirt pulled over his muscular torso, or how the loose sweatpants inexplicably hugged his ass. Didn’t notice for long, at least.
- “We’re friends.”
Friends who kissed. Friends who were going out to dinner in an hour. Friends who had red-hot dreams about peeling off the other friend’s clothes and doing wicked things with them all night long.
- God help her, she was getting turned on by the way the man shifted gears.
- His gaze didn’t waver, that playful smile on the edge of his lips as he came closer, closer, until he was standing right in front of her. Close enough to touch.
He plucked her wineglass from her hand and set it on the table, then gently pressed his palm to her cheek.
“I’m glad you stopped by,” he said softly.
And Melody Grace is funny.
- “Text can be plenty romantic if you know the right emojis.”
“Shakespeare would be turning in his grave,” Franny tutted. “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Heart emoji, sun, winky face.”
- I swear I’ve seen this place before. Are you sure they didn’t shoot the last Nicholas Sparks movie here?” she asked, peering over the rim of her designer shades. “The one where someone dies in the end?”
3.5 stars
February 20, 2017
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Quinn was a force of nature who let nothing stand in her way. It made her a great agent, but her love life was more like a crime scene: full of bad accidents and tape reading ‘do not pass.’
God, don’t ma’am me. I’ve got another ten years of ‘miss,’ I swear.
There are seven stages to grief. First, sweatpants.
It reminds me of the time my second husband was cheating… I took everything he owned and hurled it out the second-floor window… When he came back from that hussy’s place, it was all right there on the sidewalk in ruins.
My Review:
I was thoroughly entertained with Meant To Be, Poppy and Cooper’s sweet and sexy tale. I was delighted when I noticed the #1 in the title, and am already looking forward to numerous repeat trips to Sweetbriar Cove to witness the pairing off of a town full of “scruffy and gorgeous” men. Written from a third person POV, the storyline was relevant and relatable while stocked with appealing and interesting characters. Ms. Grace’s writing style was relaxing and easy to follow, yet also emotive, heart squeezing, and engaging. I was quickly drawn in by the well-detailed storytelling and enjoyed these sweet and clever characters, although there was a period when I wanted to give Cooper a few swift kicks to his back pockets. My favorite character was the lovely Aunt June, and of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that she could be my clone. I am hoping Ms. Grace will bestow Aunt June with her own book or at least feature the witty and clever cougar prominently in all future installments.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Quinn was a force of nature who let nothing stand in her way. It made her a great agent, but her love life was more like a crime scene: full of bad accidents and tape reading ‘do not pass.’
God, don’t ma’am me. I’ve got another ten years of ‘miss,’ I swear.
There are seven stages to grief. First, sweatpants.
It reminds me of the time my second husband was cheating… I took everything he owned and hurled it out the second-floor window… When he came back from that hussy’s place, it was all right there on the sidewalk in ruins.
My Review:
I was thoroughly entertained with Meant To Be, Poppy and Cooper’s sweet and sexy tale. I was delighted when I noticed the #1 in the title, and am already looking forward to numerous repeat trips to Sweetbriar Cove to witness the pairing off of a town full of “scruffy and gorgeous” men. Written from a third person POV, the storyline was relevant and relatable while stocked with appealing and interesting characters. Ms. Grace’s writing style was relaxing and easy to follow, yet also emotive, heart squeezing, and engaging. I was quickly drawn in by the well-detailed storytelling and enjoyed these sweet and clever characters, although there was a period when I wanted to give Cooper a few swift kicks to his back pockets. My favorite character was the lovely Aunt June, and of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that she could be my clone. I am hoping Ms. Grace will bestow Aunt June with her own book or at least feature the witty and clever cougar prominently in all future installments.
Want to read
February 27, 2024💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/20/2018)!💝
February 17, 2017
A brand new series from this author and if this book is anything to go by I couldn't be more excited! The writing as expected was excellent and I loved the characters, both the main H/h and the secondary characters which should gives us some fantastic books in the future. In this book we have Poppy Somerville. She a romance author who has come to Sweetbriar Cove to work on her next book. Calling off her own wedding just weeks before the big day seems to have thrown her brain into a writer's block nightmare. When an ungodly racket wakes her the first morning she comes face to face with Cooper Nicholson. Poppy remembers Cooper from summers visiting her aunt as a kid but this Cooper is no kid! While these two have an immediate attraction there is just a little problem. She's a hopeless romantic and he doesn't believe in happily ever afters.
Put this on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
Put this on the must read list. I highly recommend it.
February 11, 2017
Love lost…….Love Found???
Poppy was planning on her “happy ever after” with her prince charming…..right?? Well, not everything or everyone is the right match.
Poppy takes off for Aunt’s cottage to find herself again and to finish her latest book, when she meets Cooper. They haven’t seen each other for about 10 years, but they feel a connection.
This was my first read from the author and what a first one to discover from Ms. Grace. I felt an instant connection with Poppy; felt all of her ups and downs, shared in her smiles and laughs.
I wish I could give this more stars, this book is a “keeper” for me. I’m looking forward to reading more from the Sweetbriar Cove series and from Ms. Grace.
Poppy was planning on her “happy ever after” with her prince charming…..right?? Well, not everything or everyone is the right match.
Poppy takes off for Aunt’s cottage to find herself again and to finish her latest book, when she meets Cooper. They haven’t seen each other for about 10 years, but they feel a connection.
This was my first read from the author and what a first one to discover from Ms. Grace. I felt an instant connection with Poppy; felt all of her ups and downs, shared in her smiles and laughs.
I wish I could give this more stars, this book is a “keeper” for me. I’m looking forward to reading more from the Sweetbriar Cove series and from Ms. Grace.
February 20, 2017
Melody Grace has ANOTHER hit on her hands with Meant To Be, the first book in a new series (Sweetbriar Cove)! This is a small-town romance, done absolutely right! I have been a fan of Melody's writing for a very long time (since I read her INCREDIBLE Beachwood Bay series) and she definitely does NOT disappoint with this one!
Poppy Somerville is a romance author who BELIEVES in soul mates and happily-ever-afters...so much so, that she cancelled her own wedding just weeks before the big day! All because she didn't feel like Owen was HER soul mate. She promptly takes herself and her laptop off to Sweetbriar Cove to "vacation" at her Aunt June's cottage, hopefully to write the last book in her current series that has all her readers frothing at the mouth with excitement and high expectations, except she's horribly blocked and hasn't been able to write a word! AND she has a deadline looming....FAST!!
Cue the HOT, built, gorgeous but bad-tempered contractor who just happens to be a childhood acquaintance and ALSO just happens to be re-building the house right next door to where Poppy is TRYING to overcome her writer's block!! As far as Poppy is concerned, Cooper Nicholson hasn't changed one little bit from the pesky, pain-in-the-butt that he was 20 years ago....except, he's now all grown up! AND HOW!! Oh yeah, and he also DOESN'T believe in happily-ever-after love, especially for himself and believes Poppy is selling her readers a illusion that just doesn't exist!
The sparks of mutual attraction are intense, but is the chemistry between Poppy and Cooper enough? Or are their fundamentally very different beliefs in love going to tear them apart before they have a chance to figure it out?
I LOVED Poppy right from the get-go...I admired her honesty, both with Owen and herself, when she called off the wedding she knew would be a huge mistake! And Cooper? Well, let's just say that I have a thing for broody, bad-tempered, HOT men who don't know what's good for them! Their love story is funny, sexy and sweet with just the right amount of heat and angst (that had me breaking out the box of tissues)! I can't wait for the next book in this wonderful series!!
Poppy Somerville is a romance author who BELIEVES in soul mates and happily-ever-afters...so much so, that she cancelled her own wedding just weeks before the big day! All because she didn't feel like Owen was HER soul mate. She promptly takes herself and her laptop off to Sweetbriar Cove to "vacation" at her Aunt June's cottage, hopefully to write the last book in her current series that has all her readers frothing at the mouth with excitement and high expectations, except she's horribly blocked and hasn't been able to write a word! AND she has a deadline looming....FAST!!
Cue the HOT, built, gorgeous but bad-tempered contractor who just happens to be a childhood acquaintance and ALSO just happens to be re-building the house right next door to where Poppy is TRYING to overcome her writer's block!! As far as Poppy is concerned, Cooper Nicholson hasn't changed one little bit from the pesky, pain-in-the-butt that he was 20 years ago....except, he's now all grown up! AND HOW!! Oh yeah, and he also DOESN'T believe in happily-ever-after love, especially for himself and believes Poppy is selling her readers a illusion that just doesn't exist!
The sparks of mutual attraction are intense, but is the chemistry between Poppy and Cooper enough? Or are their fundamentally very different beliefs in love going to tear them apart before they have a chance to figure it out?
I LOVED Poppy right from the get-go...I admired her honesty, both with Owen and herself, when she called off the wedding she knew would be a huge mistake! And Cooper? Well, let's just say that I have a thing for broody, bad-tempered, HOT men who don't know what's good for them! Their love story is funny, sexy and sweet with just the right amount of heat and angst (that had me breaking out the box of tissues)! I can't wait for the next book in this wonderful series!!
February 17, 2017
The whole time I was reading this book, I just kept thinking, this was art imitating life imitating art...and I loved it.
Poppy Somerville believed in soulmates.
Call her crazy, or naïve, or hopelessly romantic if you want—she’d heard it all. But ever since she sneaked her first drugstore romance novel to read under the covers at night, she’d believed. That there was someone for everyone; a pot for every lid. A place her heart could find a home.
When I read that part, it took me back to the first book I can vividly remember reading as a kid/little girl...it was called Beautiful Nyakio...I remember reading it several times. We all have that scene/memory, that as avid readers, you know you were falling in love with books and reading at that time. For me it was remembering reading that childhood fairytale...reading during Maths and Chemistry class in my highschool years...and eventually, as I am right now, reading e-books. It shows your evolution as a reader, and I loved that my first time reading a book by Melody Grace and it being a first book in a series it took me back down memory lane.
Enough about my thoughts...let's get into the ARC review.
I am usually very critical when I get ARCs...because I want it to be a totally honest review as guys write on the byline...oh, almost forgot to add...
****I received an Advanced Reading Copy...in exchange for an honest review****
Because at times, you buy a book, hopped up on high reviews...and at times you end up DNFing a book...because the reviews were high and the book wasn't even that good. But I am happy I am giving a 4 star rating to a book that deserves it.
Her readers didn’t come to her looking for the real world, they wanted an escape from it. A place to disappear in between school pick-up runs and double shifts at the hospital; a place where fate wasn’t cruel, hope won out, and love was never in vain.
I have been in a reading slump lately...and Meant To Be seems to be jump starting me out of it. I loved Poppy. She's pulling a runaway bride trope...ends up in Sweetbriar Cove...with a childhood friend...Cooper, right next door fixing up a house to sell...with all the noise that it entails, bringing them together.
This book was like a good HallMark movie...which the author happens to make a reference to. It has that small town feel...and eventual good-natured meddling down pat. It has the gossip ladies "book club" aka chama-(Kenyan version is women's self help groups that do round robin in saving and have investments, but really when they meet, they catch up, spread "udaku"-gossip), Riley's bar which serves as the local watering hole and if you need anything, someone probably is already running a shop that sells it or knows who to point you to who'll have it.
But I digress, back to the main point. I loved that Poppy was not taking any shit from Cooper. Cooper has iiiiiisssssssssuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeessssssss, and he manifests them, in my opinion like a toddler, by throwing tantrums and being mean and at times petty with Poppy and her work. I loved how Poppy would not give into his behaviour...he acts mean...she takes a step back until he learns what a fool he's being and eventually he apologises to her.
Poppy on the other hand is facing sort of a crisis at work. She's a writer and is having writers block...but she's also questioning herself and her books, due in part to Cooper's scathing opinion and also what happens before the book starts for her to pull a runaway bride. Is romantic fiction just that...fiction...or do people actually get their happily ever afters, and is it okay to wait out for it?
“Shakespeare would be turning in his grave,” Franny tutted. “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Heart emoji, sun, winky face.”
The book has a few laugh out loud moments, just enough to satisfy your humour requirements...but not so many that I'd term this book a romantic comedy.
Poppy turned and buried her face against Cooper’s chest.
“I can’t believe we just got busted like a couple of school kids!” she cried. “She’s nice enough to have me stay, and I turn her home into a brothel!”
“You were going to charge?” Cooper grinned. He plucked her bra off the door handle and handed it to her. How the hell did it get there?
So, Cooper messes it up...but redeems himself in the end and gets Poppy back. My only problem...we did not have an epilogue. It was just THE END. I know there are more books to follow in the series...but I need me a 5 to 10 years later...or even 2 years later epilogue to make me feel satisfied that they're living happily ever after.
In conclusion, my first book by Melody Grace was good. A feel good pick me up, believe in the power of love/romance kind of book in a small town setting. I would definitely recommend it and look forward to reading more from the characters in Sweetbriar Cove.
Poppy Somerville believed in soulmates.
Call her crazy, or naïve, or hopelessly romantic if you want—she’d heard it all. But ever since she sneaked her first drugstore romance novel to read under the covers at night, she’d believed. That there was someone for everyone; a pot for every lid. A place her heart could find a home.
When I read that part, it took me back to the first book I can vividly remember reading as a kid/little girl...it was called Beautiful Nyakio...I remember reading it several times. We all have that scene/memory, that as avid readers, you know you were falling in love with books and reading at that time. For me it was remembering reading that childhood fairytale...reading during Maths and Chemistry class in my highschool years...and eventually, as I am right now, reading e-books. It shows your evolution as a reader, and I loved that my first time reading a book by Melody Grace and it being a first book in a series it took me back down memory lane.
Enough about my thoughts...let's get into the ARC review.
I am usually very critical when I get ARCs...because I want it to be a totally honest review as guys write on the byline...oh, almost forgot to add...
****I received an Advanced Reading Copy...in exchange for an honest review****
Because at times, you buy a book, hopped up on high reviews...and at times you end up DNFing a book...because the reviews were high and the book wasn't even that good. But I am happy I am giving a 4 star rating to a book that deserves it.
Her readers didn’t come to her looking for the real world, they wanted an escape from it. A place to disappear in between school pick-up runs and double shifts at the hospital; a place where fate wasn’t cruel, hope won out, and love was never in vain.
I have been in a reading slump lately...and Meant To Be seems to be jump starting me out of it. I loved Poppy. She's pulling a runaway bride trope...ends up in Sweetbriar Cove...with a childhood friend...Cooper, right next door fixing up a house to sell...with all the noise that it entails, bringing them together.
This book was like a good HallMark movie...which the author happens to make a reference to. It has that small town feel...and eventual good-natured meddling down pat. It has the gossip ladies "book club" aka chama-(Kenyan version is women's self help groups that do round robin in saving and have investments, but really when they meet, they catch up, spread "udaku"-gossip), Riley's bar which serves as the local watering hole and if you need anything, someone probably is already running a shop that sells it or knows who to point you to who'll have it.
But I digress, back to the main point. I loved that Poppy was not taking any shit from Cooper. Cooper has iiiiiisssssssssuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeessssssss, and he manifests them, in my opinion like a toddler, by throwing tantrums and being mean and at times petty with Poppy and her work. I loved how Poppy would not give into his behaviour...he acts mean...she takes a step back until he learns what a fool he's being and eventually he apologises to her.
Poppy on the other hand is facing sort of a crisis at work. She's a writer and is having writers block...but she's also questioning herself and her books, due in part to Cooper's scathing opinion and also what happens before the book starts for her to pull a runaway bride. Is romantic fiction just that...fiction...or do people actually get their happily ever afters, and is it okay to wait out for it?
“Shakespeare would be turning in his grave,” Franny tutted. “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Heart emoji, sun, winky face.”
The book has a few laugh out loud moments, just enough to satisfy your humour requirements...but not so many that I'd term this book a romantic comedy.
Poppy turned and buried her face against Cooper’s chest.
“I can’t believe we just got busted like a couple of school kids!” she cried. “She’s nice enough to have me stay, and I turn her home into a brothel!”
“You were going to charge?” Cooper grinned. He plucked her bra off the door handle and handed it to her. How the hell did it get there?
So, Cooper messes it up...but redeems himself in the end and gets Poppy back. My only problem...we did not have an epilogue. It was just THE END. I know there are more books to follow in the series...but I need me a 5 to 10 years later...or even 2 years later epilogue to make me feel satisfied that they're living happily ever after.
In conclusion, my first book by Melody Grace was good. A feel good pick me up, believe in the power of love/romance kind of book in a small town setting. I would definitely recommend it and look forward to reading more from the characters in Sweetbriar Cove.
March 10, 2017
Meant to Be Sweetbriar Cove Book 1
by Melody Grace
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The storyline is fantastic. Trust me on this one. Cooper Nicholson and Poppy Somerville are well written characters who makes me laugh and smile. Melody Grace has created a captivating story with fascinating characters that had my attention the entire story. Melody Grace is so creative and her characters are so alive. There is humor and romance with the characters! This is one of those stories that I will keep you up late reading because you can't put it down. Even as my eyes started to cross I couldn't stop reading until I finish this fantastic story. The story will keep you turning page after page until you finish it.Cooper Nicholson is gorgeous, strong, hard working and own's his business, but there is one thing about him, he doesn't believe in soul mates, he did believe in love once, but fate had other ideas. Poppy Somerville is a brave, feminine and strong woman, who seems to have it all, the life, the dream job, but but she is missing that spark she believes in love and happily-ever-after. This makes her romance novels win devoted readers and why she had to break off her engagement because she refused to settle for less than true love. Poppy decides her aunt’s beach cottage in Sweetbriar Cove, is where her writer’s block will end, but what she didn’t count on was the handsome, sexy contractor making so much noise next door. What two people are made for each other, Cooper and Poppy meet at the wrong or is it the right time. But their chemistry form and is too hot to ignore or resist. This is book 1 in this series and it can be read as stands alone. This book is a awesome start to great series. I am excited about this series and I can't wait to read the next book. WOW! I always love reading romance stories by Melody Grace and Cooper and Poppy's story is truly what makes romance. What a fantastic romance story with scorching hot and steamy parts that will make you fall for this couple. It's so fascinating. If you haven't read her other stories it's ok because they can each be read as a standalone but I can say you will be happy to read her other books. Again I didn't want to stop reading! I received a ACR copy from the publisher.
I voluntarily reviewed this book, because I love sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers!
by Melody Grace
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The storyline is fantastic. Trust me on this one. Cooper Nicholson and Poppy Somerville are well written characters who makes me laugh and smile. Melody Grace has created a captivating story with fascinating characters that had my attention the entire story. Melody Grace is so creative and her characters are so alive. There is humor and romance with the characters! This is one of those stories that I will keep you up late reading because you can't put it down. Even as my eyes started to cross I couldn't stop reading until I finish this fantastic story. The story will keep you turning page after page until you finish it.Cooper Nicholson is gorgeous, strong, hard working and own's his business, but there is one thing about him, he doesn't believe in soul mates, he did believe in love once, but fate had other ideas. Poppy Somerville is a brave, feminine and strong woman, who seems to have it all, the life, the dream job, but but she is missing that spark she believes in love and happily-ever-after. This makes her romance novels win devoted readers and why she had to break off her engagement because she refused to settle for less than true love. Poppy decides her aunt’s beach cottage in Sweetbriar Cove, is where her writer’s block will end, but what she didn’t count on was the handsome, sexy contractor making so much noise next door. What two people are made for each other, Cooper and Poppy meet at the wrong or is it the right time. But their chemistry form and is too hot to ignore or resist. This is book 1 in this series and it can be read as stands alone. This book is a awesome start to great series. I am excited about this series and I can't wait to read the next book. WOW! I always love reading romance stories by Melody Grace and Cooper and Poppy's story is truly what makes romance. What a fantastic romance story with scorching hot and steamy parts that will make you fall for this couple. It's so fascinating. If you haven't read her other stories it's ok because they can each be read as a standalone but I can say you will be happy to read her other books. Again I didn't want to stop reading! I received a ACR copy from the publisher.
I voluntarily reviewed this book, because I love sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers!
April 26, 2018
This book annoyed me. I don't understand why there have to be two different standards for men and women? Why is it acceptable for a woman to make a fool of a man, or make a snide remark deliberately meant to hurt, and yet a guy can't stand up for himself.
Poppy acted like a spoilt brat. Yes, Cooper was not without his faults, but give the guy a break will you? You've already made him look like an idiot once, and then you go and dig your claws in with your snide comments.
"What's the matter?" she teased. "Can't handle being beat by a girl?"
Wow. Mature attitude for a best selling 'romance' author. - remind me never to buy one of Poppy's novels will you. :)
"Someone was disappointed with you?" Poppy snapped back. "Gee, what a surprise."
Way to go, girl How to make a guy feel really hurt. (and he was)
And then when he retorts she acts like she was totally innocent and storms out. (PMT anyone ??)
The bit about turning off the gas to one house which meant that Poppy's house was also without gas was ludicrous. I don't know about the US, but turning off a gas main is a pretty serious thing to do and she would be on a separate connection anyway.
And what happens when the gas comes back on and she wasn't informed? All the pilot lights would be out so there would be gas coming into the house and there would be the potential for a major explosion.
DNF at 27%
Poppy acted like a spoilt brat. Yes, Cooper was not without his faults, but give the guy a break will you? You've already made him look like an idiot once, and then you go and dig your claws in with your snide comments.
"What's the matter?" she teased. "Can't handle being beat by a girl?"
Wow. Mature attitude for a best selling 'romance' author. - remind me never to buy one of Poppy's novels will you. :)
"Someone was disappointed with you?" Poppy snapped back. "Gee, what a surprise."
Way to go, girl How to make a guy feel really hurt. (and he was)
And then when he retorts she acts like she was totally innocent and storms out. (PMT anyone ??)
The bit about turning off the gas to one house which meant that Poppy's house was also without gas was ludicrous. I don't know about the US, but turning off a gas main is a pretty serious thing to do and she would be on a separate connection anyway.
And what happens when the gas comes back on and she wasn't informed? All the pilot lights would be out so there would be gas coming into the house and there would be the potential for a major explosion.
DNF at 27%
February 20, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author and I have to say it will not be my last one. Fortunately it is also the first in a new series. Poppy is a romance author that is questioning whether the happily-ever-afters that she has made a career of writing will ever happen for her. Having just cancelled her wedding the week before it was scheduled, Poppy escapes to Sweetbriar Cove to get her life back on track and to cure her writer's block. But, Poppy doesn't factor in the sexy neighbor next door into that plan. Cooper, doesn't believe he is meant for love and thinks that romance writers are just setting people up for failure because the HEA doesn't exist. This was a fun contemporary romance, with great secondary characters which will hopefully show up in future novels. I also really enjoyed reading what may have been partially autobiographical comments about being a romance writer and the fact that romance books are looked down on by society.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
December 27, 2022
3.8*
This book was super cute. It exceeded my expectations by a long shot because it’s a free book on iBooks, and usually those books are not good. But this one was! Nice little story to wrap up the year 🫶
This book was super cute. It exceeded my expectations by a long shot because it’s a free book on iBooks, and usually those books are not good. But this one was! Nice little story to wrap up the year 🫶
February 28, 2017
Very good!!! My first read by Melody Grace was so wonderful & so much fun to read I can't wait to read the rest of this series when it comes out. Her writing is thoughtful, whimsical at times & mainly downright funny with the sarcastic & sometimes comical characters she's collected for her Sweetbriar series. Poppy's character is sweet & funny but a little sad as well, because being a well published romance writer you'd think her life was all romance by her books. Unfortunately Poppy hasn't found that one true love yet & coming off a broken engagement she's trying to reset her life & get rid of her writers block that's stopping her from writing the last book in her best selling series. Cooper doesn't believe in happily ever after anymore after a failed engagement, but the architect & contractor does know how to renovate an old house, which is how they meet at 6a.m after Poppy has just gotten to bed after taking a red eye from New York to Sweetbriar Cape Cod. First two meetings not so great but that doesn't mean they didn't make an impression on each other, as well as their third meeting when she plays poker with Cooper & his two friends Riley & Grayson & ends up cleaning up on an unsuspecting, arrogant Cooper. With the growing attraction between them & all of Sweetbriar pushing them together how could they refuse. The not so subtle hints from Mackenzie & Poppy's aunt June's friends Franny & Debra, as well as Riley & Grayson give Cooper the push he needs & the happy starts until it suddenly stops. Cooper can't get beyond his past failure as he sees it & figures he'll save Poppy the inevitable heartbreak by ending things before they go too far. Too bad it's already gone there. I laughed out loud at the untimely arrival of aunt June back from her vacation, as well as the not so subtle flirting by Franny & Debra & aunt June towards Cooper. I felt bad for Poppy's ex fiancé when he showed up looking to get back together even though he knew it was over & for Cooper when he runs into his now happily married & new mom ex fiancée. I loved Mackenzie's form of anger management & aunt June's thoughts that homemade soup heals all. This was a wonderful story & I enjoyed it immensely. Definitely recommend this book.
February 17, 2017
Absolutely Delightful! What a wonderful start to a new series. I can already tell that this sis going to be special. In Meant to Be, we meet what I can only assume is the main cast to the upcoming series. All being residents of the small harbor town.
In this story we have Cooper and Poppy; two individuals that are getting reacquainted since their childhood days. Two people that have very different views of “love and life”. Poppy is a romance author who is a hopeless romantic believing in soulmates and Happy Ever After while Cooper doesn’t believe in Happy Endings - AT ALL!
The book is wonderfully written and it is one of those books that you just want to curl up on the couch and get lost in. 2 Thumbs Up for a delightful romantic romp that I can’t recommend enough. It’s definitely worth 1-clicking - Right Now!
In this story we have Cooper and Poppy; two individuals that are getting reacquainted since their childhood days. Two people that have very different views of “love and life”. Poppy is a romance author who is a hopeless romantic believing in soulmates and Happy Ever After while Cooper doesn’t believe in Happy Endings - AT ALL!
The book is wonderfully written and it is one of those books that you just want to curl up on the couch and get lost in. 2 Thumbs Up for a delightful romantic romp that I can’t recommend enough. It’s definitely worth 1-clicking - Right Now!
May 2, 2021
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. While reading this book, the first few pages did not engage with me so much. It did not hold my attention and I didn't feel suspended into the world of the book. The story line is okay but it automatically sounds like the typical next door, lost sweetheart kind of thing. If you like that kind of storyline, it will be good for you. For me, it just didn't fit right.
May 25, 2017
2.5 stars
Too saccharine for my tastes but if you are in need of a quick HEA this is your book.
Too saccharine for my tastes but if you are in need of a quick HEA this is your book.
July 30, 2018
Cliches upon cliches all wrapped up in a book that should have been read again for a little editing.
June 30, 2019
A light, low angst beach read. 3 stars
August 20, 2018
I love Cooper and Poppy. They were always meant to be. They just didn't know it. I want to live in a town like Sweetbriar Cove.
August 20, 2020
Very light small town romance. It was cute 💕
February 25, 2017
What a great read, I love Melody Grace's books and this one ranks with her best. Soul mates do exist even if the road to get there is rocky at times. This book is about not settling for something that's not right and believing in what you want and desire, it was heartwarming with some hot and funny scenes as well. A really great read.
February 25, 2017
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
4 SMALL TOWN CROWNS
I am generally not a huge fan of small town romances. I like my love stories to have a little more angst, a touch more darkness, sometimes a lot a more steam, but Melody Grace's books just connect with me. I love everything about these little communities she creates and the people she fills it with.
Meant to Be focuses on Poppy, a romance writer, who is fleeing a relationship and looking for a little R&R. She seeks refuge at her aunt's house. What is most admirable about Poppy is her unwavering faith in love. She fully believes in the love she writes about, and she is courageous enough to go searching for it, refusing to settle for anything less than earth shattering chemistry. She is a woman who lives what she writes.
Cooper is a hometown boy who had big goals, but ended up back home. Like most hometown boys, Cooper just has this charm. You sucked in by the thoughtfulness, the chivalry, and, in this case, that southern accent. I swear when he said Darlin' my insides melted. Cooper, though, doesn't believe in the romance, the soulmates, the can't live without you feelings. He wants to, readers want it for him, and we spend most of the novel just hoping he will get it together before he loses it all.
This story is incredibly sweet with just a dash of steam. It makes the readers want to move to a small beach town where everyone knows you. This is the gift that Melody Grace has. She makes these towns come alive, and the people in it become like your family. You just want to pack up and find this place and settle in. Her books just provide pure comfort, like coming home.
-----------------------
Arc received in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and other books news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
4 SMALL TOWN CROWNS
I am generally not a huge fan of small town romances. I like my love stories to have a little more angst, a touch more darkness, sometimes a lot a more steam, but Melody Grace's books just connect with me. I love everything about these little communities she creates and the people she fills it with.
Meant to Be focuses on Poppy, a romance writer, who is fleeing a relationship and looking for a little R&R. She seeks refuge at her aunt's house. What is most admirable about Poppy is her unwavering faith in love. She fully believes in the love she writes about, and she is courageous enough to go searching for it, refusing to settle for anything less than earth shattering chemistry. She is a woman who lives what she writes.
Cooper is a hometown boy who had big goals, but ended up back home. Like most hometown boys, Cooper just has this charm. You sucked in by the thoughtfulness, the chivalry, and, in this case, that southern accent. I swear when he said Darlin' my insides melted. Cooper, though, doesn't believe in the romance, the soulmates, the can't live without you feelings. He wants to, readers want it for him, and we spend most of the novel just hoping he will get it together before he loses it all.
This story is incredibly sweet with just a dash of steam. It makes the readers want to move to a small beach town where everyone knows you. This is the gift that Melody Grace has. She makes these towns come alive, and the people in it become like your family. You just want to pack up and find this place and settle in. Her books just provide pure comfort, like coming home.
-----------------------
Arc received in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews and other books news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
March 10, 2017
Melody Grace knows how to write a romance. Real people face the unknown with courage, heartache and a hope that at times seems insurmountable but worth the risk. I have yet to pick my jaw up off the floor. Meant To Be is everything a reader wants in a love story but is afraid to ask for. The imagery is spectacular, the emotions are real and it reads like poetic verse. Right on time, hard to forget and easy to fall for. Poppy and Cooper are magic.
February 25, 2017
Reviewed @ Confessions From Romaholics
Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review
I only have read one other of Grace’s books and enjoyed the cute fluffy romance she wrote. So when I saw that she was returning to the beachy small town romances that she built her brand on . It was a give me situation, plus that cover. It summed up what Grace’s novel is about.
Poppy Somerville is a romance writer and firm believer in happily ever afters. Her novels are perfect examples of the HEA fairytale romances she wants. She built her brand on those kind of stories. Her personal life is another story, whilst she believed in them. She never had the experience she writes about. She wants that and she just broken off her engagement as he isn’t the one true love.
She determined to find it and finished that dratted book that everyone is waiting for. As her roller coaster emotions are throwing her game and given her writers block There no better place then the beach home in Sweetbriar owned by her aunt. Peace and quite are the two things she just need and everything will work out all right. Well at least her book will be as she questioning her beliefs in HEA happening in real life.
Sweetbriar might have the answers if she ever gets some peace and quiet. As her Aunt next door neighbour has his own agenda and doesn’t involved dealing with the brunette who isn’t happy about the noise. Cooper is the anti Poppy. He doesn’t believe in shape or form in HEA or soul mates. He been burned bad and believes it unrealistic to find what Poppy writes and dreams about. Cooper is more interested in finishing the house . However Poppy is getting under his skin like she did when she was a child visiting in the summer.
He has no issue with the grown up version of Poppy aside from her questionable stances on love. Poppy is the same girl he remembers but she making him think about things he doesn’t want to think about which is driving him mad. The guilt of his past and the attraction to Poppy might just do him in and force him just to address the issues that have been eating away .
Meant to Be is the sweet cute fluffy type of romance on paper but there so much more to this book. Poppy being a romance writer is nothing new but I loved how Grace didn’t make her all sunshine and rainbows. She was struggling. She was loosing hope in herself to find true love and that her book may not be the one she wants to be. Grace the address the issues of the less glamorous side of things and I loved that. She didn’t make Poppy sit back and wallow. She moved on and was fighting for another day and to find what she wants.
As Cooper was a mess a times as he thought certain things. Poppy may had no reason to stick around after her book but he fought against trying to convince to stick and was unwilling at first to explore the sizzling attraction. He may be gruff but there was sweetheart underneath that all. He had issues and Poppy was the perfect person to show him that he could have what he once dreamed about.
Whilst not perfect there is a lot to love about this sweet beach read. I enjoyed my first visit to Sweetbriar Cove and can’t wait to return
For more of my reviews, visit Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review
I only have read one other of Grace’s books and enjoyed the cute fluffy romance she wrote. So when I saw that she was returning to the beachy small town romances that she built her brand on . It was a give me situation, plus that cover. It summed up what Grace’s novel is about.
Poppy Somerville is a romance writer and firm believer in happily ever afters. Her novels are perfect examples of the HEA fairytale romances she wants. She built her brand on those kind of stories. Her personal life is another story, whilst she believed in them. She never had the experience she writes about. She wants that and she just broken off her engagement as he isn’t the one true love.
She determined to find it and finished that dratted book that everyone is waiting for. As her roller coaster emotions are throwing her game and given her writers block There no better place then the beach home in Sweetbriar owned by her aunt. Peace and quite are the two things she just need and everything will work out all right. Well at least her book will be as she questioning her beliefs in HEA happening in real life.
Sweetbriar might have the answers if she ever gets some peace and quiet. As her Aunt next door neighbour has his own agenda and doesn’t involved dealing with the brunette who isn’t happy about the noise. Cooper is the anti Poppy. He doesn’t believe in shape or form in HEA or soul mates. He been burned bad and believes it unrealistic to find what Poppy writes and dreams about. Cooper is more interested in finishing the house . However Poppy is getting under his skin like she did when she was a child visiting in the summer.
He has no issue with the grown up version of Poppy aside from her questionable stances on love. Poppy is the same girl he remembers but she making him think about things he doesn’t want to think about which is driving him mad. The guilt of his past and the attraction to Poppy might just do him in and force him just to address the issues that have been eating away .
Meant to Be is the sweet cute fluffy type of romance on paper but there so much more to this book. Poppy being a romance writer is nothing new but I loved how Grace didn’t make her all sunshine and rainbows. She was struggling. She was loosing hope in herself to find true love and that her book may not be the one she wants to be. Grace the address the issues of the less glamorous side of things and I loved that. She didn’t make Poppy sit back and wallow. She moved on and was fighting for another day and to find what she wants.
As Cooper was a mess a times as he thought certain things. Poppy may had no reason to stick around after her book but he fought against trying to convince to stick and was unwilling at first to explore the sizzling attraction. He may be gruff but there was sweetheart underneath that all. He had issues and Poppy was the perfect person to show him that he could have what he once dreamed about.
Whilst not perfect there is a lot to love about this sweet beach read. I enjoyed my first visit to Sweetbriar Cove and can’t wait to return
For more of my reviews, visit Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
February 20, 2017
If you are looking to read a really nice romantic story then you have to get this one. I have read one other Melody Grace book and really enjoyed that one; so was looking forward to reading this and the start of a series to boot. I was definitely not disappointed; it is a beautifully written story, which conjured up Sweetbriar Cove and its residents perfectly.
I really liked Poppy Somerville, romance author and hopeless romantic. I could imagine following her on social media, waiting for her next best seller to come out. She goes to Sweetbriar Cove to try and finish her final book in her much awaited series, following her engagement, which she has just broken off. She has a dead line but she is struggling to write anything. Then she meets Cooper Nicolson, who used to tease her when she visited Aunt June as a child. They immediately cross swords, but then he does something nice and well let’s just say…could there be a happy ending to the story; even though Cooper does not believe in all this romantic nonsense?
A mark of a truly well written book, I believe, is one where you feel part of the community and that is exactly how I felt reading this story. I loved all the characters, they were well written, funny and I felt I could be friends with them and happily live there amongst them all, next to the coast.
This is one I would highly recommend if you want a nice romance to read, with some very heated moments and I can’t wait for book two to come out.
I really liked Poppy Somerville, romance author and hopeless romantic. I could imagine following her on social media, waiting for her next best seller to come out. She goes to Sweetbriar Cove to try and finish her final book in her much awaited series, following her engagement, which she has just broken off. She has a dead line but she is struggling to write anything. Then she meets Cooper Nicolson, who used to tease her when she visited Aunt June as a child. They immediately cross swords, but then he does something nice and well let’s just say…could there be a happy ending to the story; even though Cooper does not believe in all this romantic nonsense?
A mark of a truly well written book, I believe, is one where you feel part of the community and that is exactly how I felt reading this story. I loved all the characters, they were well written, funny and I felt I could be friends with them and happily live there amongst them all, next to the coast.
This is one I would highly recommend if you want a nice romance to read, with some very heated moments and I can’t wait for book two to come out.
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