Leilani Mercer had no choice but to figure out how to move on after a one night stand left her pregnant, and her baby daddy went to prison before she could even share the news. Raising her son alone left her deflated, but she found a man she felt was good for her, and eventually, she built a future without Mecca, the man who disappeared just when she needed him most. What she doesn’t know is that Mecca went to prison for reasons that hit closer to home than she thinks—and he’s spent every moment since trying to make up for his absence from afar.
When Mecca’s early release brings him back into their lives, his presence is overpowering, and the walls Leilani has built crack. Co-parenting with the man who she felt so strongly about since the day she laid eyes on him is harder than she imagined—especially when their chemistry stays thick with desire whenever they are near.
But Mecca has scars from a past he’s never spoken about to anyone. Those scars keep him from believing he’s worthy of love. Mecca has to find the courage to let love in, and Leilani has to find it in her heart to let her guards down and realize Mecca isn’t going to disappear again.
Meant to Be Yours is a second chance at love with a captivating love that the reader will feel on every page.
This was pretty boring to me. I finished because I thought it would get better but it didn’t. The whole book they never became an official couple until 92% of the book. They actually didn’t know each other AT ALL, they met one night and had sex that same night. He ghosted her for a month. He went to jail and while he was in jail she found out she was pregnant. Mecca stayed locked up for 3 years. They knew absolutely nothing about each other and even after he got out they didn’t take time to really get to know each other even if they were going to co-parent. But somehow as usual with these stories they were soooo in love with one another, but he was fighting it. The whole call me daddy during sex is weird to me, I don’t like it and it made me have to skip the sex scenes especially since he’s old enough to be her daddy. Ugh just not sexy at all, I get turned off from a man that wants me to call him daddy could have def kept that out. Also if the author hadn’t spent so much time keeping them apart we could have been shown Mecca’s growth into loving the MFC. We could have seen him getting help for his past, because with a temper like his she’s not gone be able to help herself and why did he have to be so old. I feel like it would have been better if he was around her age. I forgot to add that Demi was supposed to be her bf but it didn’t seem like it. They never hung out, their convos seemed to be forced and she didn’t even know the girl was dating her brother. Oddly enough that’s how Demi was introduced in the story, he got out of jail came to the club and she ran up and punched him in the face (which was never explained). He put her over his shoulder and left the club. His first day out and his sister did all this planning and he just left her looking stuck. Their relationship didn’t even seem like a close knit relationship. It was almost the MFC didn’t belong with them and they just tolerated her. Idk their scenes together just seemed super forced and uncomfortable. She was only ever around them to drop her son off or pick him up. Idk I didn’t care for this story, it could been way better but it was just boring to say the least.
I jumped right in, as I have enjoyed so many of Cyn’s reads. However, this one felt rushed, when a bit more time was needed to explore all that was happening. After Mecca and Leilani’s link up, why wouldn’t he at least let Vaughn know how he ended up locked up again? I get that he was a loner, but why allow Leilani to draw her own conclusions about why you weren’t there for her and Kai?
I did feel for Mecca when we finally learned about the trauma he still holds onto from his childhood. The feelings and flashbacks held him hostage, not allowing him to have real relationships, due to fear. First Vaughn, then Leilani were able to break through the barriers that he had erected, and it terrified him. Although he knew he was feeling Leilani, he knew that he was no good for her, due to all he had experienced.
Through all the drama and mess, these two still couldn’t stay away from each other and finally got it together. Okay read.
Holy cow!!!!! when she said to him!!!!! no your wrong you don't know you like I do..... let me love you......You can trust me with you.... everything about you is good..... (Not exact dialogue, but you get what I'm putting down).
I don't think I read anything recently that read like that! Not a MFC pouring into a deserving MMC!
i almost want to rate this two stars but it wasn’t necessarily that bad. the ending was definitely rushed. and lawd, i hated “lei bae” as her nickname. goodness, so cringe. the ages was also kinda weird. not in a bad way, but damn… mecca a new daddy, at what… 50-53?? with 4 kids? lol i ain’t mad at it. overall though, this book was alright. i hate that leilani was dealing with shiloh to begin with. i feel like the signs should’ve been there. i kinda would’ve liked to see a glimpse into what happened with him and claire, but i know he isn’t important. lol mecca was definitely crazy over leilani and im really outdone with his mom and her antics. previously working in the mental health field ive seen how wild things can get, but dang, treating your son like that is crazy. leilani was good for him. ultimately i’m glad they got everything they both needed. i didn’t like the beginning though… demi coming outta nowhere and running off with vaughn?? like girl what? why was leilani not included in anything? that’s so weird.
Honestly some women and men are not meant to be parents! Children don’t get to pick their parents! Also age ain’t nothing but a number, Babe! With that, this was a great read!
Mecca, this man here! I loved me some him 🤎! This man never experienced love or felt loved! Dealing with a mother with mental illness was not easy for him or any child for that reason rather really or not! To deal with mental abuse is a lifetime of trauma and will have you in your adult age not believing you are good enough for anyone or deserve to be loved - Mecca experienced that until that night he meant Leilani. Once he meet her, his life changed. He had no problem crashing out behind her and he knew this could be his downfall, but when it didn’t he was able to receive the love he deserved.
Leilani was a woman that has been through a lot and felt alone often. From losing her grandmother to her brother Vaughn doing a bid, it was just her and her best friend Demi who also been dealt a not so hand in life. My girl life changed and became slightly complicated when her brother was released and she meant his friend Mecca! She knew he was much older than her but that did matter. To her he was the finest man she has ever seen! One night of adult activity changed her life forever. After going through the ups and down and continue raising her son, my girl was about to show love, give love, proved love and accept love!
I honestly don’t have much to say about Shiloh but he truly needs to work on self as ya boy is lost and confused. Unsure on whom he thought he can touch and point his fingers at and not get handled. Also, the way his adopted mother and family acted had me hot. I didn’t like NONE of them - LOL
Regardless of all the challenges they both experienced from a bad relationship for Lei to childhood trauma for Mecca, they were able to be who they needed to be for each other. Honestly have to admit I loved me some Mecca!
Meh. The beginning was already iffy with the whole 'needing to do a load of laundry because Leilani spilled blueberry slushie on him.' 1) He was going home anyway and 2) Sir, you survived five years in prison; I'm sure you could deal. Furthermore, how did it get all through to this underwear? Did she spray it on him with a powerwasher?? By 80% I didn't like anybody in this book, except for Vaughn, Demi and Kai. Even Aria was a spoiled brat lol. Leilani was constantly crying! Like ma'am, how are you not dehydrated? She was so ditzy. Yes, she was a great mom, but choosing to still be a stripper, and stay with a man that wouldn't even assist her financially, especially when his family was loaded, is on her. Especially once we learn later on that Girl! Once Shiloh pulled that scene at his family's house, what was there to discuss?? Why are you giving this man so much of your time??
Mecca, at some point you have to take responsibility for your actions, Sir. It is not Leilani's fault that you can't keep your fists to yourself. Your prison time is solely on you. Yes, Mecca's history and trauma were heartbreaking, and I felt it in my soul when he said he only knew how to love his son, but this was not on LeiLani to fix. Yes, I'm glad she vowed to love him enough for both of them, and Mecca came around and opened up to her, so then the book was worth reading again, but it was touch and go for a while. Him wanting to stay away from her was kind of understandable, because the emotions and protectiveness he felt for here were so foreign to him, but between the two of them they were raising my blood pressure. We got there in the end, and the ending was cute.
I will say that the light Daddy kink was right up my alley so yeah, one star for that. Ha!
Also, the odds of Shiloh not pressing charges without Mecca personally apologizing to him are slim to none. Would never happen. He was way too much of a little bish. I didn't even understand the point of him continuing to pursue Leilani if what he said at the end was true.
“Meant to Be Yours” is an age gap, brother’s best friend, grumpy-sunshine, instalove romance told in third person. I liked it for the most part, but I wish some things (like Mecca’s childhood trauma) got a little more focus.
Mecca was a somewhat complicated character, and I wish the book was longer so we could really dive into him healing or at the very least mention a healing journey. Mecca went through some pretty fucked up shit in his childhood and with the length of this book, it’s implied that the love from Leilani healed him. I don’t like that. What Mecca really needed was to “talk to the lady”.
Leilani was a way less complicated character. She just wanted to take care of her son and be happy with her life. Leilani had dreams and wanted to work to achieve them.
As far as drama in “Meant for You”, we already know Mecca and Leilani are end game so when Shiloh was introduced, I assumed he’d be a trash ass 🥷🏾 so their break up would be palatable. However, Cyn initially made him a sweetheart, so I was stumped. In the end, I was correct, but I’m not going to reveal what happened.
And this isn’t necessarily drama but Vaughn initially being upset about Mecca and Leilani confused me. Vaughn quite literally did the same thing with Demi, so why is you mad bro?
Anyway, at one point in part two (a section in this book), Leilani said she knew Mecca and he wouldn’t do whatever it was that happened. That made me realize we never really spend time with Mecca and Leilani actually getting to know one another. When they were good and actually talking to each other (because that barely even happened), Mecca and Leilani discussed hopes and dreams and fears and fucking but that’s about it. I needed Leilani to have a reality check at that point. Like yeah it’s instalove between her and Mecca, but girl you don’t know this man.
This was a page turner! It was so well written with minimal errors. Mecca deserved the love Leilani showered him with, and she deserved the protector he was as well.
I was so proud at how Mecca stepped into fatherhood so effortlessly. Too many parents use a rough childhood to explain their horrible parenting, or lack thereof, and to normalize foolishness. Mecca’s actions are an example of how negative experiences could be a guideline for what NOT to do because before everything else, he stepped for Kai.
Shiloh 🤦🏾♀️ I grew up with many people who had his mindset and it never ends well for them. “Tokens” are always on borrowed time with the ✨privileges✨ extended to them. It’s a fact that tokens are meant to be spent and their presence serves a purpose, nothing more. I empathized a bit more with Shiloh, though, since he had no choice in who adopted him and was brainwashed as a child. It’s sad that he was led to believe Claire, whose description made my face ball up, was a prize when she was okay with him using her while committing to someone else.
This was a good read and I can’t wait to explore more of this author’s work.
When Mecca and Leilani met, their chemistry was off the charts at first glance. Mecca didn't play about his Lei Bae and in protecting her, he ends up heading back to a place he never wanted to return. Once released, I loved how Mecca loved on his son, Kairo. He disliked Leilani's new man, Shiloh, and he had me cracking up about his thoughts and his interactions with him. I couldn't stand Shiloh with his boujee self as well as his racist mother and so-called "friend". I wanted to lay hands on all 3 of them. I was glad when Leilani came to her senses and realized Mecca was the one for her. Mecca and Leilani's love for each other ended up healing them from their pasts. This was a truly emotional second chance book that I enjoyed reading from beginning to end.
I'm so glad Mecca finally was able to tell her the truth about what happened like he didn't just up and leave her like she always thought he did it because he trying to protect her ... I'm glad both were able to love each other the way they were...
What's meant for you will be
I also liked Her brother Vaughn and Demi relationship couldn't get enough of each other.. I'm not surprised about more kids .... But Mecca said I'm going put two in you actually did now baby Kade...
Shiloh I'm glad she finally got to see him for who he really was and Claire was dumber ain't no way I stay in relationship with someone waiting for him figure out if want me or not going to happen...
I enjoyed this quick read! In such a short amount of time Cyn made you build a bond to the characters and honestly it made me wish we could have more of Mecca and Lei. My fiancé and I found it funny that not only did the FMC prefer the nickname Lei (which is one of two nicknames we call our daughter Leilani) but that she was not accepting the nickname Lani bc I hate that nickname too AND that our baby shower for her was stars and moons and also that our daughter LOVES to dance LOL. I loved this story so much. The empowerment and healing involved in the story was beautiful! I definitely plan to read more books by Cyn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow. This story was amazing. The plot, the character development throughout the entire book was top tier. It follows a girl who ended up pregnant by a man she had a steamy time with who disappears. You think it was for one reason, but ended up being something totally different. When he finally returns, she has created a whole life of her own and needs to learn how to co - parent. Along the way is a story full of love and hope. It was so cute, I loved it so much. One Of the best books I’ve read this year so far!
When I say this book took me on an emotional journey. Leilani had to be strong independent most of her life. Mecca is a loner with childhood trauma. Put them together and you get the perfect love story. Great job Cyn with this second chance love, one night stand story.
Listen to me Mecca is a man’s man. When I tell you the stars do align for the right people. He had a temper and his mouth was something serious. He didn’t play about his Lei Bae. I wished it was longer because I didn’t want it to end. Vaughn was lit too and Demi is the friend every girl should have. Great read Cyn. Loved every minute.
I really enjoyed this short story with Mecca and Leilani, even though they were both stubborn and had a hard time communicating their feelings. Mecca had been through so much from his childhood that he didn’t let his feeling show or let people get close. But when Leilani came along things changed. Glad they both were able to let their guards down and love each other.
Meant to Be Yours was an interesting story concept that played out well for Leilani and Mecca. Thankfully, because dude was a hot head! While therapy isn’t the answer for everyone, I think Mecca would have benefited from some form of therapy to deal with his past.
I felt them sparks through the pages honeyyyy !! I was living for every moment and this is my first book from the author so she definitely gained my follow , 5 star rating and I can’t wait to read her catalog!! I couldn’t put the book down !! Beautiful way to spend ,y thanksgiving lol happy holidays and please check the book out !!
I really wanted to like this story, but there was just some stuff I just couldn’t get over. Vaughn and Demi just started dating and we got no explanation on how it happened or when it started and then he had the audacity to be upset that Leo and Mecca fucked. Um pot kettle stupid motherfucker. I hate hypocrites. Also the whole Shiloh of it all don’t even get me started. His family was hella disrespectful, he cheated on her their whole relationship and he was the one to end the relationship AND he got no just desserts.
Also how could these two love each other there was no real connection between them besides dick and pussy.
Been waiting for Mecca and Leilani to finally get their story and I must say you did that. Shiloh made me want to punch him in the face sooo bad. Im glad they got it together by the end cause baby I wanted to tussle
This is why i only read books with 250 or more pages because i need more!!! Cyn did a beautiful job wrapping this up in a pretty bow though. I needed more of the feels from Mecca and Leilani but I’ll take what I can get.
Leilani and Mecca had very different lives. These two people had a lot of trauma. The strange part she really thought she loved Shiloh, what a surprise that was to Leilani. Excellent Story!!!!
Never allow your past to hold you hostage from the future dangling over your head. Self doubt and negative thoughts also hold us in bondage from receiving blessings. Breathe life into yourself and surround yourself with others who will breathe life into you.
I enjoyed Mecca, Leilani, Vaughn and Demi. I like how the relationship started and ended with Mecca and Leilani. How Demi was a great friend to Leilani and how cool Vaughn eventually was about his friend Mecca getting with his sister Leilani.
This was a pretty good book, not much is talked about how he battled his demons but still good. The way these two denied each other happiness was really sad. That childhood trauma is for real.
I really like this! Mecca and Leilani were just meant to be. They had to cross a few bridges before that got it right but they finally figured it out. Demi was a real friend and I love the way her a Vaughn loved on their nephew and friends.
This was a beautiful love story about the characters coming to peace with their past, their brokenness, and current choices. They learned to find healing and build a solid foundation with the family they had and the love in their hearts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️ This story goes by really quickly and has minimal groveling. I wish the story had more depth throughout the story line. Overall it has great potential! 💖
I really liked this book. Brother’s best friend. Age gap. I liked both main characters. I wish the author had gone a little more in depth about things. A lot of issues felt glossed over.
I’m not a fan of the term daddy, especially in an age gap.
Lei & Mecca, what a story. I wished he and her had communicated better. They wasted time with the doubting of their love. I think people spend too much time trying not to hurt one another and still do damage. Glad they both took the leap & chose love.