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Had To Be You
HAD TO BE YOU is a contemporary new adult romance set in a small Massachusetts beach town in the days leading up to a summer wedding. At its heart, this is a story about first love, but as it also carries over into post-college years, spanning that decade and touching upon more mature themes. It does not shy away from erotic description, but only as it reflects and reinforces the deep connection and passion defining the relationship.
When Rory Finn first left behind the familiarity of her quiet, picturesque hometown to pursue a professional career in the city after college, her intention was to focus on the future—until a jarring bit of unwelcome news forces her to face the past. What if her first love could actually still be the true love of her life? There’s just one little problem with the timing of this revelation. He is about to marry someone else.
As she embarks upon an impulsive, desperate bid to win him back, her mission turns into an unexpected and emotional journey of rediscovery. With both humor and heartbreak, the story itself transitions from past to present, exploring a small history of love from its tentative beginnings to what may just turned out to be its final bittersweet end.
When Rory Finn first left behind the familiarity of her quiet, picturesque hometown to pursue a professional career in the city after college, her intention was to focus on the future—until a jarring bit of unwelcome news forces her to face the past. What if her first love could actually still be the true love of her life? There’s just one little problem with the timing of this revelation. He is about to marry someone else.
As she embarks upon an impulsive, desperate bid to win him back, her mission turns into an unexpected and emotional journey of rediscovery. With both humor and heartbreak, the story itself transitions from past to present, exploring a small history of love from its tentative beginnings to what may just turned out to be its final bittersweet end.
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First published August 3, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 28, 2014
I really enjoyed reading Had to Be You.
Couldn't put it down.
Couldn't put it down.
September 7, 2014
The best way to start this review is to put it all out there. This book rocked my socks off. Seriously. I loved it. LOVED IT. LOVED IT. LOVED IT.
It doesn't help that I am a sucker for a good "first love" story. I mean, who doesn't love the chance to remember the way it feels, the flutters, the swoons...and for some, the heartbreak.
The emotional reader in me gets giddy just THINKING about it and Had to Be You was everything I had hoped it would be and more.
Rory and Matt. Matt and Rory. The best of friends, you rarely found one without the other. Their relationship was a slow burn that was nurtured through years of pig-tail pulling and affectionate insults. It happened over the years, before they even realized what was happening and when the spark ignited, resistance was futile.
True. Love. Forever.
Except for when they break up. And get back together. And break up. And get back together. And break up.
Surely the next "back together" will happen...until it doesn't.
From the very beginning, when Rory learns about Matt's impending wedding, I found myself totally relating to pretty much every. little. thing. The gut-punch of seeing the invitation...gah, I can still feel it and it hurts. It hurts a lot. And of course, the questions and what-ifs begin to fly...and the wine begins to flow...and ideas get tossed around. Throw in some flashbacks to happier times and BAM...bring on the feels.
The flashbacks made this book for me. The parallels and connection to "real time" moments provided a depth to Rory and Matt's relationship that only knowing their history could do -- but in a way that didn't make me feel like I was being inundated with back story.
This book has everything I look for. I laughed, I cried, I fetal-rocked and found myself thinking about...well, thinking about people and places I hadn't thought about in a long time. You know how a certain song can take you back in an instant to a very specific place or time in your life...yeah, this book did that for me more than a few times. I wanted to wrap myself up in Rory and Matt's story and never ever let go.
This review can also be found on my blog, Flutters and Flails
It doesn't help that I am a sucker for a good "first love" story. I mean, who doesn't love the chance to remember the way it feels, the flutters, the swoons...and for some, the heartbreak.
The emotional reader in me gets giddy just THINKING about it and Had to Be You was everything I had hoped it would be and more.
Rory and Matt. Matt and Rory. The best of friends, you rarely found one without the other. Their relationship was a slow burn that was nurtured through years of pig-tail pulling and affectionate insults. It happened over the years, before they even realized what was happening and when the spark ignited, resistance was futile.
True. Love. Forever.
Except for when they break up. And get back together. And break up. And get back together. And break up.
Surely the next "back together" will happen...until it doesn't.
From the very beginning, when Rory learns about Matt's impending wedding, I found myself totally relating to pretty much every. little. thing. The gut-punch of seeing the invitation...gah, I can still feel it and it hurts. It hurts a lot. And of course, the questions and what-ifs begin to fly...and the wine begins to flow...and ideas get tossed around. Throw in some flashbacks to happier times and BAM...bring on the feels.
The flashbacks made this book for me. The parallels and connection to "real time" moments provided a depth to Rory and Matt's relationship that only knowing their history could do -- but in a way that didn't make me feel like I was being inundated with back story.
This book has everything I look for. I laughed, I cried, I fetal-rocked and found myself thinking about...well, thinking about people and places I hadn't thought about in a long time. You know how a certain song can take you back in an instant to a very specific place or time in your life...yeah, this book did that for me more than a few times. I wanted to wrap myself up in Rory and Matt's story and never ever let go.
This review can also be found on my blog, Flutters and Flails
August 10, 2014
Wow. I really adored this book. Like, so, so hard. The feels were everywhere. Tears and all. I loved Rory and Matt from the get go and throughout their story, my heart ached for their never quite there timing and their distant-yet-still-so-close, love. Had to Be You was definitely a roller coaster that I was glad to take and if your looking for a story that will make you believe in first love that spans the test of distance and time, then THIS is the book for you. Sensual, romantic, and fun, I highly recommend it.
September 10, 2014
I do love a story about first loves and I really loved this story.
Matt is delicious. Everything about him is wonderful. I just love him. Rory is brilliant. I found the characters to be real and the storyline to be believable. Loved the flashbacks. It certainly added to the story.
My only fault would be the name Rory. Never heard of a girl being called Rory. Petty I know!
This is a brilliant sweet story with great romance. The author did a great job. I loved it.
Matt is delicious. Everything about him is wonderful. I just love him. Rory is brilliant. I found the characters to be real and the storyline to be believable. Loved the flashbacks. It certainly added to the story.
My only fault would be the name Rory. Never heard of a girl being called Rory. Petty I know!
This is a brilliant sweet story with great romance. The author did a great job. I loved it.
April 15, 2020
Liked but
Liked the story but a lot of times I was confused with the flashbacks and at the end I found myself skipping some of them. I almost think that it would have been better to start with their story when they were younger and then get to where they are at now. Possibly even breaking it into 2 stories
Liked the story but a lot of times I was confused with the flashbacks and at the end I found myself skipping some of them. I almost think that it would have been better to start with their story when they were younger and then get to where they are at now. Possibly even breaking it into 2 stories
September 11, 2014
Swoon romance has done it again. they have put out a book that is charming and sweet and wonderful all rolled into one. Juliet Chatham has written a endearing book of a romance that has spanned since childhood and has never really ended. Even after all the heartbreak and heartache. The let downs and break ups these two always was in each others hearts.
Let's get down to it. The characters:
Rory: really confused and lost. It isn't until she is about to lose what she always thought would be there that she finally sees the light. Her fears of inadequacy and never being what someone would love stand and stem from childhood. the reasoning is sound but doesn't hold water when it comes to Matt. He was always there. until he wasn't and that was because he felt she finally moved on from him. when he became afraid rory was upset but kept fighting. Matt didn't which was sad because he let fears and others (particularly the ex did not like her so witchy and controlling she was) influence him. Her clarity as to what she wants is a wonderful evolution over time to see. And it is over time. She has to launch herself back into her memories to really begin to understand herself and her wants and desires.
rory's british neighbor: cracks me up. too funny especially the beverly Hill 90210 section. Too funny for words.
Matt's brothers: as precious as they come. Two boys who show rory friendship and kinship. such a delight to see. they are behind her no matter what. they are also behind their brother and are always there for him.
Matt: what to say about Matt. Loved you but in the end I wanted to smack you upside the head for your momentary lack of faith and love. I mean really listening to a ex who clearly wants you and to control you like she did throughout your whole whirlwind relationship that almost had you married to cruella. Wake up and smell the coffee man. Yes Rory has disappointed and ran in the past but in the past did she admit her fears to you? express what had her run away? Admit her feelings for you? her desire to have a future with you anywhere you wanted to be? No she didn't. She didn't spend 3 weeks away from her life so she could reconnect with you before now. Nor did she sacrifice everything so you could be happy. so that should have been your clue dude. I know you were hurt and trying to figure things out but really. You love her and she you give yourself a break and go with the feelings. Other than this you were a great guy.
The story: loved the easygoing relaxed atmosphere and the bantering was great. We got glimpses of the past and who matt really is when he was with his fiancee. And who he was was a sweet fun loving guy. Like the story was. I love how it was a love story that spanned the years but one that the lovers needed to explore the world and who they were before realizing what they wanted and who they wanted. They needed to grow up first. the love was always there but not the maturity.
the writing: easy to read and the intimate scenes were beautiful. the flashbacks of childhood helped us see who these two were and how they got to where they are now. Written so you understood the characters and their struggles. Had you become invested in the story.
Overall a wonderful sweet charming quick read of love for the ages, finding yourself and what you want.
September 2, 2014
My number one thing on my Christmas list this year (hey it’s never too early to start one!) is my own Matt O’Shea. Also known as the hunk that’s described as the first love of Rory. He’s cute, he’s sweet and the most adorable male character I’ve ever read. Every single one of this thoughts made me fall in love with him.
Matt is engaged at the beginning of the story to a girl, you might have guessed it, who is not Rory. He loves this girl and is fully committed to her, until Rory shows up. And that’s when I really fell in love with Matt.
He doesn’t just up and leaves his fiancé because of a crazy crush. No, he feels responsibility towards her, towards their commitment and is totally ready to make it work.
Rory on the other hand suddenly realised how poorly she treated Matt and wants to tell him that she still likes him. She thinks. Rory is not completely sure about what she’s feeling, which only complicates the situation for everyone.
So Matt and Rory are the main characters, though the focus is more on Rory. I really liked her. She seems like your typical female narrator, but it turns out that there’s a lot more under the surface. She has a lot of relatable issues she has to work through (commitment fears, fears of a future career, family issues,…), but because of her quirky thinking, the book stays funny and light while dealing with serious problems.
I clearly adored this story, but I did have one issue with it : it dragged on a little bit towards the ending. In the beginning, everything is so open and exciting. Will Rory go home? Will Matt get married? What happens to Rory’s bf, Jill, who is pregnant? However, after reading 75% of the book, most issues are already solved. There is some needless back and forth about things, but I already knew how it was going to end. I think this would have been a great point to just stop the book and leave the ending kinda open. Not all ties need to be wrapped up.
What I did love were the flashbacks that show the teenage years of Rory and Matt. They weren’t chronological, which I think might bother some readers, but I actually liked it. You learn more and more about the couple in different ways. One flashback raises questions about how they got together and voila, the next one answers that. It’s different from most flashbacks, but once you’re used to it, it’s totally fine. Also, it says that there are "erotic" scenes, which I'm usually not a fan of, but really there aren't many and they aren't very graphic. So don't let that turn you off of this book.
There really isn’t much to say about the writing. Juliet Chatham did a great job portraying the story. You get sucked in and feel like you’re in Massachusetts, living the characters lives. Was there anything really special about the writing? No, it was pretty basic. But that works perfectly for the kind of escape-literature this is.
And I definitely escaped my world with this book. I loved it. Because of the issues I had towards the ending of the book, I’ll give it 4.5 stars instead of 5. But seriously, pick up this book.
Matt is engaged at the beginning of the story to a girl, you might have guessed it, who is not Rory. He loves this girl and is fully committed to her, until Rory shows up. And that’s when I really fell in love with Matt.
He doesn’t just up and leaves his fiancé because of a crazy crush. No, he feels responsibility towards her, towards their commitment and is totally ready to make it work.
Rory on the other hand suddenly realised how poorly she treated Matt and wants to tell him that she still likes him. She thinks. Rory is not completely sure about what she’s feeling, which only complicates the situation for everyone.
So Matt and Rory are the main characters, though the focus is more on Rory. I really liked her. She seems like your typical female narrator, but it turns out that there’s a lot more under the surface. She has a lot of relatable issues she has to work through (commitment fears, fears of a future career, family issues,…), but because of her quirky thinking, the book stays funny and light while dealing with serious problems.
I clearly adored this story, but I did have one issue with it : it dragged on a little bit towards the ending. In the beginning, everything is so open and exciting. Will Rory go home? Will Matt get married? What happens to Rory’s bf, Jill, who is pregnant? However, after reading 75% of the book, most issues are already solved. There is some needless back and forth about things, but I already knew how it was going to end. I think this would have been a great point to just stop the book and leave the ending kinda open. Not all ties need to be wrapped up.
What I did love were the flashbacks that show the teenage years of Rory and Matt. They weren’t chronological, which I think might bother some readers, but I actually liked it. You learn more and more about the couple in different ways. One flashback raises questions about how they got together and voila, the next one answers that. It’s different from most flashbacks, but once you’re used to it, it’s totally fine. Also, it says that there are "erotic" scenes, which I'm usually not a fan of, but really there aren't many and they aren't very graphic. So don't let that turn you off of this book.
There really isn’t much to say about the writing. Juliet Chatham did a great job portraying the story. You get sucked in and feel like you’re in Massachusetts, living the characters lives. Was there anything really special about the writing? No, it was pretty basic. But that works perfectly for the kind of escape-literature this is.
And I definitely escaped my world with this book. I loved it. Because of the issues I had towards the ending of the book, I’ll give it 4.5 stars instead of 5. But seriously, pick up this book.
September 10, 2014
Originally posted at Crawling Over The Pages
Had To Be You is a story of two best friends, Matt and Rory, who found a happy ever after the second time around.
Matt O’Shea lived in a loving and very supportive household. He has 3 siblings – Kevin, Danny, and Maura. He loves the small town life. He doesn’t aspire to have the greatest career but he wants to have a successful business to prove that he can offer something for his future wife. He doesn’t have a problem expressing his emotions. In short, he was a catch.
Rory Finn, on the other hand, grew up from a good and affluent family but all changed when her father left them for another family he apparently had. Her trust was severed. She grew up unsure of herself and fearing that the people she loved will just have a moment of realization before they leave her again. Her issues will soon threaten to destroy the only chance she had for a future with the man she absolutely loves.
Rory and Matt grew up together. They may have other friends but they always come first before the others. Matt had always been open about his feelings for her. They became a couple for two years before Rory came to New York to pursue her dreams but whenever she comes home they always treat each other like nothing bad happened before. They were in an on and off relationship but it eventually took its toll when Rory realized that Matt is serious in marrying his fiancée.
As Rory goes home to somehow impede the wedding, all their inner conflict will resurface. How will she prove that she won’t run this time? How will he prove that he was not her dad? How will they work on their relationship? Is Matt’s wedding doomed to fail or will he still push through with it?
What Rory failed to realize was that people have limitations. You wouldn’t find a guy nowadays who’s willing to wait for years and would patiently understand you knowing that he’s not secure in the assurances you gave him. Rory was so lucky to have someone like Matt. On the other hand, I think every woman wants assurance too. She wants to know that a man is ready to fight tooth and nail just to show her that he is determined to win her. It’s a proof of loyalty and a proof that he is as in love with her as she is with him.
Matt and Rory will learn the concept of communication in the end. They will learn to say what they really want and explain why things went bad. And in their struggle to come to terms with the person they had become, they still start to see each other in a new light and as a result they will be both emotionally ready to grab their chance at love the second time around.
Had To Be You is a story of two best friends, Matt and Rory, who found a happy ever after the second time around.
Matt O’Shea lived in a loving and very supportive household. He has 3 siblings – Kevin, Danny, and Maura. He loves the small town life. He doesn’t aspire to have the greatest career but he wants to have a successful business to prove that he can offer something for his future wife. He doesn’t have a problem expressing his emotions. In short, he was a catch.
Rory Finn, on the other hand, grew up from a good and affluent family but all changed when her father left them for another family he apparently had. Her trust was severed. She grew up unsure of herself and fearing that the people she loved will just have a moment of realization before they leave her again. Her issues will soon threaten to destroy the only chance she had for a future with the man she absolutely loves.
Rory and Matt grew up together. They may have other friends but they always come first before the others. Matt had always been open about his feelings for her. They became a couple for two years before Rory came to New York to pursue her dreams but whenever she comes home they always treat each other like nothing bad happened before. They were in an on and off relationship but it eventually took its toll when Rory realized that Matt is serious in marrying his fiancée.
As Rory goes home to somehow impede the wedding, all their inner conflict will resurface. How will she prove that she won’t run this time? How will he prove that he was not her dad? How will they work on their relationship? Is Matt’s wedding doomed to fail or will he still push through with it?
What Rory failed to realize was that people have limitations. You wouldn’t find a guy nowadays who’s willing to wait for years and would patiently understand you knowing that he’s not secure in the assurances you gave him. Rory was so lucky to have someone like Matt. On the other hand, I think every woman wants assurance too. She wants to know that a man is ready to fight tooth and nail just to show her that he is determined to win her. It’s a proof of loyalty and a proof that he is as in love with her as she is with him.
Matt and Rory will learn the concept of communication in the end. They will learn to say what they really want and explain why things went bad. And in their struggle to come to terms with the person they had become, they still start to see each other in a new light and as a result they will be both emotionally ready to grab their chance at love the second time around.
August 31, 2014
I received a digital copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours as part of the blog tour in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. The content of this review is only my OWN opinion and was not compensated by anyone.
This story is about Rory Finn as she trek back to the hometown where she left behind her past romance, Matt, and determined to win him back. Problem is, she only got 3 weeks before Matt's wedding! Will she get to finally tell Matt how she truly feels? Will she ruin someone else's wedding for her own ease? Or Will she keep her feelings locked away and go back to her successful career in New York?
Had To Be You is a book that will teach you how to treasure relationships, loved ones and how NOT to jump into unweighed decisions that will change your life forever.
I liked the story in a way that its lesson really apply well in reality. The concept--it's brilliant. The fine transition of present and past in each chapter, shows the after and before situation of Rory and Matt's relationship.
Even so, I feel that this book is not strong enough for me. I was still looking for something from the main characters. The origin of Rory's commitment issue is indeed indicated, but never showcased more. I feel that Rory's family background/situation should at least been given a few more chapters to pose a better strength for the story.
Their romance captured a very nice telling, but it wasn't enough poke for me to feel. But even if that is the case, reading Had To Be You had been a good enjoyable read.
This book is recommended to New Adult readers, who are looking for sensual romance (This got plenty of that scenes!), and are easily swooned by good and loyal guys like Matt.
FIND MORE REVIEWS HERE
This story is about Rory Finn as she trek back to the hometown where she left behind her past romance, Matt, and determined to win him back. Problem is, she only got 3 weeks before Matt's wedding! Will she get to finally tell Matt how she truly feels? Will she ruin someone else's wedding for her own ease? Or Will she keep her feelings locked away and go back to her successful career in New York?
Had To Be You is a book that will teach you how to treasure relationships, loved ones and how NOT to jump into unweighed decisions that will change your life forever.
I liked the story in a way that its lesson really apply well in reality. The concept--it's brilliant. The fine transition of present and past in each chapter, shows the after and before situation of Rory and Matt's relationship.
Even so, I feel that this book is not strong enough for me. I was still looking for something from the main characters. The origin of Rory's commitment issue is indeed indicated, but never showcased more. I feel that Rory's family background/situation should at least been given a few more chapters to pose a better strength for the story.
Their romance captured a very nice telling, but it wasn't enough poke for me to feel. But even if that is the case, reading Had To Be You had been a good enjoyable read.
This book is recommended to New Adult readers, who are looking for sensual romance (This got plenty of that scenes!), and are easily swooned by good and loyal guys like Matt.
FIND MORE REVIEWS HERE
September 4, 2014
I really enjoyed HAD TO BE YOU. This book had everything I love in a story. Thanks to the flashbacks, we get to see first love as it blooms between Matt and Rory. We get to watch as the two friends fall in love and we swoon as we watch Matt grow up into one of the 'good guys'.
Because of Rory's past, she has plenty of commitment issues. She is unable to fully trust in her relationship with Matt and she lets her past cloud her judgement regarding her future. After spending several years away from her hometown and Matt, Rory is finally back home for a visit.
Matt and Rory clearly have strong feelings for each other still, but now there is the obstacle of Matt's new fiancee, Amanda. Matt really does love Amanda, and he wants to be the kind of man that she needs.
After his on again off again relationship with Rory, Matt has fallen for someone completely opposite of her, but in doing so, has changed himself into something not entirely comfortable. Amanda is a determined and forgiving woman. She works hard to keep Matt and not alienate Rory. Amanda knows that playing the jealous fiancee will only cause her more troubles.
One of my favorite things about this story is that Matt and Rory have a deep and complicated history that is told in snippets through flashbacks. These were absolutely imperative. This story of love and redemption just would not have been the same without them. However, my one small gripe would be that the story seemed to linger on longer than was necessary. The last 80 percent or so could really have been left up to the readers imagination. But really it's just a small little thing. Hardly a complaint at all.
Thank you to Swoon Romance for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2014
Best friends since they were little Matt and Rory always thought that they would end up together until Rory was offered a job in New York as a PR and had to decide which was more important her career or life in her small hometown. Rory always thought that she would have Matt to herself and to come home too , but as their lives started to separate with her in New York and him back home - things started to strain and their relationship status went south. Now a few years later , Matt has announced his wedding date to Amanda and now Rory has only three weeks to go home and change Matt's mind and prove to him that she is the one he should be with and that marrying Amanda is a big mistake. Rory has always been impulsive but has she made the right decision this time around ? Can Rory give up life in New York for Matt and their small hometown ? Over the next three weeks can Rory show Matt and remind him why they fell in love and finally can Rory get up the guts to tell Matt exactly how she feels once and for all before it's too late and Matt and Amanda say "I Do" for the rest of their lives. What I liked about this story is that the author goes from a past POV to the present as she describes in the past - the romantic entanglements and friendship that Matt and Rory have experienced over the years leading to the present. Will Rory hop on that plane back home alone or will she finally get the man of her dreams - the one she was supposed to never let go and be with for eternity ?
Had to be You by Juliet Chatham is the perfect book to get you in the mood for the upcoming film "Love, Rosie".
September 10, 2014
This is one of my favorite books so far this year. It's such a different take on the whole second chance romance storyline. I really enjoyed the way memories from the past were intertwined with moments in the present. It helped shed light on why Rory and Matt felt the way they felt and/or acted the way that they acted.
The memories weren't presented in a chronological order and I can see where someone might be a little confused by that, but I don't think it would have worked as well if the memories had been written in that way. The things that Rory and Matt were feeling were tied into certain memories from their past. Each memory gave us insight as to how or why they were feeling and acting a certain way in the present.
This was probably the most realistic view on a second chance romance that I've read any time recently. Both Rory and Matt have lived their lives apart from each other and managed to move forward, each in their own way. Moving forward and moving on are two very different things. You can move forward with your life while still managing to somehow hold on to someone or something. This is exactly what Rory and Matt did.
Watching as they try to navigate their way through their past and present and trying to plan for their future, all at the same time had me intrigued and invested.
I really can't even explain all of the feels I got from reading this book. I will definitely be on the look out for more from this author!!
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
The memories weren't presented in a chronological order and I can see where someone might be a little confused by that, but I don't think it would have worked as well if the memories had been written in that way. The things that Rory and Matt were feeling were tied into certain memories from their past. Each memory gave us insight as to how or why they were feeling and acting a certain way in the present.
This was probably the most realistic view on a second chance romance that I've read any time recently. Both Rory and Matt have lived their lives apart from each other and managed to move forward, each in their own way. Moving forward and moving on are two very different things. You can move forward with your life while still managing to somehow hold on to someone or something. This is exactly what Rory and Matt did.
Watching as they try to navigate their way through their past and present and trying to plan for their future, all at the same time had me intrigued and invested.
I really can't even explain all of the feels I got from reading this book. I will definitely be on the look out for more from this author!!
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 29, 2014
I think there is one wedding invitation that I never want to receive. The thought of ever having to receive that invitation made me really feel for Rory at the beginning of this story. Would I up and go home to face my past? Probably not (but I'm also at a different stage of life), but good on her for doing it! It was very easy to like Rory and Matt together. Their sarcastic relationship and just the ease of which they fall in step with each other regardless of how much time has passed since they last saw each other is enviable.
At times, I felt like Rory was a bit TOO desperate but, by the same token, Matt didn't seem too far off from being on the same page as her. The flashbacks were a bit odd to get used to because there were so many of them and they were in no particular chronological order but they really gave Rory and Matt a (hot) history. The depth was there and the feelings were more than there. By the end of it, I really felt for Rory. Who doesn't want "meant to be" to actually "be"!!? The flashbacks definitely served as a good case for Rory's standpoint. Why fight it, Matt? I sort of felt bad for Amanda for being jilted at the altar but felt less bad for her as HER story unfolded...
Had To Be You was a great read--perfect for the beach/cottage getaway. Sweet, heart-wrenching at times and easy to get through.
At times, I felt like Rory was a bit TOO desperate but, by the same token, Matt didn't seem too far off from being on the same page as her. The flashbacks were a bit odd to get used to because there were so many of them and they were in no particular chronological order but they really gave Rory and Matt a (hot) history. The depth was there and the feelings were more than there. By the end of it, I really felt for Rory. Who doesn't want "meant to be" to actually "be"!!? The flashbacks definitely served as a good case for Rory's standpoint. Why fight it, Matt? I sort of felt bad for Amanda for being jilted at the altar but felt less bad for her as HER story unfolded...
Had To Be You was a great read--perfect for the beach/cottage getaway. Sweet, heart-wrenching at times and easy to get through.
September 3, 2014
The synopsis alone was enough to draw me in and capture my full attention and Juliet Chatham does a great job of keeping readers entertained in Had To Be You.
I love books that have flashbacks that give you the backstory to current events and Chatham uses them to her advantage in Had to Be You as both main characters reflect back to the past to show what lead them to current events. The flashbacks always have some key piece of how the character is feeling or what lead them to the decision that they made.
Rory is such a fun character full of spunk, spontaneity and holds regret from past decisions and she will have you drawn to her and rooting for her the entire story. Chatham did a fabulous job of creating a character who is not annoyingly trying to get back the love she once lost, but instead is reflecting back on the decisions that made her do what she did and you understand and feel for her. Rory will have you rooting for her the entire way.
Great read and definitely recommend to add to your To-Be-Read Shelf :)
I love books that have flashbacks that give you the backstory to current events and Chatham uses them to her advantage in Had to Be You as both main characters reflect back to the past to show what lead them to current events. The flashbacks always have some key piece of how the character is feeling or what lead them to the decision that they made.
Rory is such a fun character full of spunk, spontaneity and holds regret from past decisions and she will have you drawn to her and rooting for her the entire story. Chatham did a fabulous job of creating a character who is not annoyingly trying to get back the love she once lost, but instead is reflecting back on the decisions that made her do what she did and you understand and feel for her. Rory will have you rooting for her the entire way.
Great read and definitely recommend to add to your To-Be-Read Shelf :)
June 16, 2016
**3.5 stars**
Had To Be You - is a very hard book to be put down. I stay up til 3 am because I wanted to read some more. The overall story is quite good just that the non-stop flashbacks gets me so annoyed. At first I was okay with it but after too much of that, I had enough. Not much romantic scenes going on between Matt and Rory as I was expecting (Yes, there were many - ON the flashbacks though) And the story gets so complicated I don't even know what to expect anymore. There's time, okay maybe all the time that I feel like stranggling Rory because she was damn frustrating, no kidding! Basically, everything is her fault that Matt was getting married. She pushed him away in the first place. What did she expect? For Matt to wait her forever. Matt did say he want her. If I could steal Matt for me. HAH! :' D
Had To Be You - is a very hard book to be put down. I stay up til 3 am because I wanted to read some more. The overall story is quite good just that the non-stop flashbacks gets me so annoyed. At first I was okay with it but after too much of that, I had enough. Not much romantic scenes going on between Matt and Rory as I was expecting (Yes, there were many - ON the flashbacks though) And the story gets so complicated I don't even know what to expect anymore. There's time, okay maybe all the time that I feel like stranggling Rory because she was damn frustrating, no kidding! Basically, everything is her fault that Matt was getting married. She pushed him away in the first place. What did she expect? For Matt to wait her forever. Matt did say he want her. If I could steal Matt for me. HAH! :' D
August 11, 2014
While I wanted to love this story as I have long been a fan of Juliet's, I wish that it had just been a bit stronger. I think that the flashbacks needed to be presented chronologically to get the depth of their relationship and Rory's parents needed to be a bigger part of the story if her dad is the reason she's so commitment phobic.
Still love the initial scene where pregnant Jill orders the margarita for Rory and also the part where Jill goes into labor at the non-wedding.
I hope that Juliet continues to write and would love to see a truly original work from her - I know she can write really strong characters on her own! Would have liked to see more of that here.
Still love the initial scene where pregnant Jill orders the margarita for Rory and also the part where Jill goes into labor at the non-wedding.
I hope that Juliet continues to write and would love to see a truly original work from her - I know she can write really strong characters on her own! Would have liked to see more of that here.
August 11, 2014
I love stories that can make me laugh one minute and cry the next, plus I'm a sucker for the boy-next-door and best-friends-to-lovers romance themes so I'm really enjoying this one. Great characters to fall in love with!
August 12, 2014
Wow, really loved this story. The characters were very real, and loved their dialogue and friendships. Lots of hot romance but it was very sweet, too. I really felt for both Rory and Matt in this story and the looks back to their past were very touching.
November 24, 2014
it was a cute story.. I found myself skimming through the end.. it just seemed to drag on too long.. all the flash backs.. mental thoughts.. don't get me wrong it was a cute story.. just went on for too long..
Read
March 10, 2016DNF - review to follow
September 11, 2014
~ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW~
A sweet read that will keep you reading! A love with heart break since child hood, but dose it end? Pick up your copy today to find out!
A sweet read that will keep you reading! A love with heart break since child hood, but dose it end? Pick up your copy today to find out!
March 24, 2015
This Book Is Simply Amazing! Matt and Rorie are so cute together what with being besties and all! :') And i think i too might have fallen in love with Matt! ;) :P I Just Loved Reading This Book! <3
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