Meant for Now

Key Ridge #2

by Allison Speka

For the first time, Frankie has found her carefully crafted life veering way off course. Career-driven, ambitious, motivated—these were the pillars she had built her entire identity around. Now, fresh off a layoff, she’s struggling to figure out what’s next for her.

Then, on a chance encounter one evening, she meets Oliver. He’s charming and attractive, but as soon as he opens his mouth, Frankie realizes the two could not be more different. He’s an impulsive daredevil, a true free spirit—not her type in the slightest.

But as fate would have it, the two have found themselves in the same small town for the time being. With her desperate to find her next plan, and Oliver completely planless, the two strike up a deal. Oliver is determined to show Frankie a good time, while she’s hoping she can fracture this carefree front he puts on.

As the two try to find cracks in each other’s beliefs, unexpected feelings begin to surface. Pretty soon, neither can deny the pull between them.

Even though everything about them isn’t meant to be, maybe they’re meant for now…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Fiction, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2025

About the author

Allison Speka's stories are light on the spice and heavy on the banter. She delivers realistic characters that you'll instantly root for, taking you on a roller coaster of emotions. With moments of passion, humor, and a fast-paced plot, her books will keep you hooked from start to finish, making it impossible to put them down.

Follow her journey.
TikTok and Instagram: @AllisonSpeka

Visit her website AllisonSpeka.com for free bonus content and news on upcoming releases.

Signed Copies: https://www.allisonspeka.com/shop

Reviews

[Erin Boddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fortunate to read the ARC of this book! Allison delivers another charming rom-com fueled by sharp banter and deliciously stubborn characters. The chemistry between the leads crackles as they clash with wit and pride, refusing to admit what’s obvious to everyone else—they’re perfect for each other.

[Lia Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited for Oliver’s story and this definitely didn’t disappoint! The FMC definitely annoyed me in the beginning, but I loved how much she opened up over the story. I love the grand gesture at the end and how they both decided they didn’t need to change, but their goals had so they could shift to those.

For me there way too much complaining about corporate jobs and how your job shouldn’t be you life.

[Kristin Lakin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Allison for this advanced copy of the book!

Frankie is going back to Key Ridge to stay with her sister after losing her job. She has always been so career driven, but in walks Charlie to help her see that there is so much fun she is missing out on. I don't like a lot of spice in a book, and this was light on the spice. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this author's books!

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Truthfully I just couldn’t connect with either main character. He was a fun time, but she was a total drag. I really enjoyed book one so I gave this a couple tries. I stepped away and read two other books and came back, but it wasn’t enough.
DNF 50%.

That being said, I will read her again and I do recommend reading Key Ridge.

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Twee sterren, en dan ben ik nog mild! I mean.. we get it; she is the ambitious city girl and he is the adventurous outdoorsy type. Moet dat elk hoofdstuk benadrukt worden? Er gebeurde eigenlijk niks spannend en het was ontzettend voorspelbaar.. Deze kan je laten liggen! Xx

[Oluchi]

DNF @ 24%. If I had to read one more line about how MMC doesn’t have ambition, is taking things with the flow, thinks of people who are career focused in a negative light, I’d gouge out my eyes. Enough.

[MacKenzie Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been an Oliver girlie since Love Linked 🫶🏻

[Belarna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little hesitant when starting this book. I enjoyed Key Ridge and the blurb of this book caught my attention a bit stronger than the first in the series. I received it as an ARC and honestly, i’m so glad I did. I was not expecting to cry or laugh as much I did while reading.

Frankie and Oliver are complete opposites, and yet somehow; they just seemed to fit so well. I know sometimes when there are so many differences between people, it’s hard to feel an actual connection between characters, but I definitely felt it for these two. I loved that they supported each other for what they wanted.

There were a few points in the book that I was a little unsure of, that felt a little choppy but I think that was just part of their relationship itself, not the actual book. Everything tied together so nicely in the end though and I really enjoyed reading it.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meant for Now
3✨

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me my Ollie

[Laura Joslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ but I’ll round up! Thank you so much Allison for allowing me to be an ARC reader 🙌🏻 It is so fun watching Allison’s writing change through each of her books.

In theory I liked the storyline, but I didn’t connect / enjoy the characters like I wished I had. Frankie seemed to be pitying herself throughout 75% of the book and Oliver was too immature for his age. I really liked Bev and Mattie. I did enjoy the sisterly relationship as well, super realistic. The last 25% of the book was enjoyable and I did like the HEA!

[KJ Krzewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:

i’ve done a few arc reads for this author before and it’s so cool to see how her writing has grown and how her world is expanding!

this book was so cute! i love the setting, a small mountain town in colorado…it just feels so nostalgic to me since my family vacations to rmnp every year

i think the opposites-attract, winter fling worked really well for the book! exploring more of oliver’s and frankie’s family dynamics from a different perspective than we’ve seen (through harrison and mattie) was super interesting, and i heavily related to frankie and oliver!

i loved frankie’s journey from being fired from her “dream job”, to having to face reality and think about what she really wanted out of life

and i loved oliver’s journey of being a roaming, thrill-seeking guy who is always looking for the next fun adventure…his growth with opening up to someone and sticking with someone made the story interesting

and frankie and oliver are such a cute couple! i like they they don’t try to change each other, that frankie is okay with trying things oliver likes and maybe not being good at them, that oliver wants her to try and have a good time…they’re so cute! and they actually aren’t awful at communication (after some work at the beginning)

all in all, it was a fun read! excited to read more from this author (and thanks to her for letting me be an arc reader! it’s so much fun)

[Liz Kulhanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of this book. Thanks Allison!

Finally we learn more about Oliver and Frankie! This was such a great story that is pulling all the wonderful characters together from her other books and returning to Key Ridge was so lovely.

A workaholic overachieving girl and golden retriever adventure boy is such a fun dynamic to read and honestly so relatable. Some of the banter and situations in this book had me giggling out loud. The ties into the established world of her other books was amazing, it was enough to jog your memory but also not fully spoil those stories if you hadn't read them yet. She has really found a great balance with that aspect. I will definitely be recommending this one!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read all of Allisons’s books and Key Ridge has always been my favorite. So when I found out that we were returning there with Oliver and Frankie I couldn’t wait to read their story!

Oliver is easy-going, fun and is just absolutely adorable. Frankie is uptight, a little intense and driven. These two are polar opposites in every way possible. Each scene just reinforces how opposite they are but still they come together with swoony banter and overcome obstacles they each face with the other at their side.

All of Allison’s books are must-reads. Looking forward to reading the next. And thank you, Allison, for another opportunity to ARC read for you!

[Kreeviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF ~ 67%
i tried. i really tried but the book was exactly at the same pace at 67% in as it was at 20% no development of the characters, none whatsoever and i absolutely see no hook so far. the mcs failed to connect with me, the writing is way too clinical and thus boring and the plot does not exist. literally. the books goes:

👩🏻“im pathetic cuz i dont have a job”
👨🏻“no im pathetic cuz i have mommy and daddy issues”
👩🏻“no im pathetic because my job has been my life and idk how to have fun”
👨🏻“no im pathetic because i only know how to have fun”

yall are both pathetic asf so just shut up ffs

[Olivia Bernitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an ARC for Allison’s newest book. Oliver is such a fun character in the other books and I loved getting to read his story. It was fun to see so many of the different characters from the other books connect in this one. I can always count on Allison’s books to make me smile and tear up at the same time. Each book seems to be my new favorite. Easily a 5⭐️ and one of my favorites for the year so far.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankful to have received an eARC for this book! For me it was middle of the road. I was hoping for more clever, witty, funny banter, but was met with a lot of over explanation of things and exchanges between the characters that felt forced. I also did not particularly like the FMC or the MMC which made it difficult for me to enjoy. The dialogue didn’t seem well written though I enjoyed the character development and growth of the main characters.

[Jlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. While it's a second book about Key Ridge characters it could be a stand alone book. I enjoyed the fact though that I got to see more of Files and Maddie from Key Ridge. I've enjoyed getting to Allison Specka's books and can't wait to open the next one.

I received an Advanced Reader copy for my honest opinion and am proud to say I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, banter filled book!

[Caroline Racke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the dedication! I loved the early chemistry between Frankie and Oliver and could not put the book down.

[Laureninpink · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect cosy realistic small town romance.
No third act break up nonsense, just two mature adults who actually talk about their feelings.

[Charlotte McKewen · Rating 3 out of 5]

ehh - it was cute. classic small town romance. nothing flashy. took me ages to get into it though.

[Hayley Nicoson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad Allison let me have an ARC of this book! My preorder was already in and now I go and annotate it when it arrives!

This story was so wonderful at bringing people from other stories together and it made me so happy!

Oliver and Frankie’s story is one I think many adults will connect with at some point. It was supposed to be a fun “vacation” fling. He’s just there to finished up the snow boarding season, she’s there till she finds a new job. It’s not meant to be forever, it’s just meant to be for now.

This read is great for a comfy cozy read. It is an easy read that doesn’t make you think too hard, but makes you root for the people involved! You will laugh, giggle, and maybe even cry, but you’ll love the ending either way.

I couldn’t have planned a better cross over of worlds than this! Allison Speka did it again and made my heart flutter and sing with this new book!

[Cecelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet easy romance. Loved the banter between the characters. It’s always a good sign when a book makes you smile while reading it and this one did that for me. Likeable and relatable characters. Overall a good read. Thank you to Allison Speka for providing me with this ARC.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally so good. Allison never disappoints. The banter=amazing.

I was so connected to Frankie and Oliver the book had me crying at the end.

[Georgie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Allison nailed it! A super sweet rom-com with the perfect amount of stubborn, banter, and sweetness! I was fortunate to be sent an ARC of this book and I’m so glad I was.

Frankie and Oliver’s story is extremely relatable as there are so many times we get focused on our “success” or next steps and forget to live in the moment or forget that our happiness matters!

Read if you like:
* Opposites Attract
* Small town
* Sister Bestie
* She wants him to open up
* He wants her to lighten up/live a little

🌶️ = .5

[Jenna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50/5 ⭐️ Thank you so much to Allison for allowing me to read an eARC of Meant For Now.

I was instantly drawn to the author’s described early 2000s rom-com vibe, and this book definitely delivered. It’s full of light-hearted banter and the kind of chemistry that makes you smile while reading. The cover design is absolutely gorgeous too.

The story starts off with a surprise that immediately caught my attention—I could tell right away that it was going to be a fun story. The pacing and banter stayed engaging throughout, making it easy to keep reading.

I loved the dual POV from Frankie and Oliver. They’re opposites, but a perfect balance for each other. Oliver is carefree and go-with-the-flow, while Frankie is more serious and career-focused—though we meet her just after she’s lost her job. I also loved the side-stories of Frankie reconnecting with her sister Mattie from an earlier book-Key Ridge.

Overall, there’s a great mix of playful dialogue and character growth; it never leans too heavily into fluff or drama, striking a nice balance. The story ended perfectly—satisfying, heartfelt, and exactly what you would hope for.

[Aliya · Rating 1 out of 5]

the fmc is just UNSUFFERABLE she is so mean and condescending to the mmc

I HATE DEFENDING MEN

BUT damn typical fmc who is “super smart” and did well in school but has no manners

mmc didn’t do well in school but is successful now
as he he professionals snowboards and teaches lessons, partakes in competitions ext

the fmc is SO rude always judging the guy when she was litch LAID OFF
ig she wasn’t the best at her job

she acts all spoilt and smart when she has no manners and thinks she better than the mmc because of education wise

she was shocked when he had a house and a car and acts sooo RUDE when she is literally living in the basement of her sister and brother in law


the ONLY reason he liked her was because she was attractive

she’s so moody and never wants to try ANYTHING
, she has no hobbies just work work work ….

she goes skiing with the guy and FAKES an injury but he doesn’t say anything and then even the medical professionals say there is nothing wrong with her

SO SO EMBARRASSING AND SHE KEEPS ACTING LIKE SHE ACC INJURED HERSELF

also the fact these people are like 28/30 and are unable to cook ???

wdym your about to cook food and weren’t going to wash the VEGETABLES YOU GOT FROM THE FOOD MARKET???

so so embarrassing, she only did it because someone asked aren’t u gonna wash the vegetables ??

this is a very WATTPAD story and i would not recommend x

[Eryn Salhany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Allison for the advance copy of the book!

Gosh, I love a good happily-ever-after! This book delivers all the best parts of a great romance novel: likeable main characters with chemistry and witty banter, a quaint small-town setting, and just the right amount of tension.

Frankie and Oliver are complete opposites, but both end up in Key Ridge for very different reasons. Oliver, a carefree wanderer, is finishing out the winter season as a snowboarding instructor, while Frankie is escaping reality after losing her job and struggling to recover. On a whim, Frankie kisses Oliver shortly after meeting him, and the chemistry grows from there. Frankie was a bit too negative for me in the beginning, but Oliver’s endless optimism eventually pulls her out of her funk.

This is the second book of Allison’s I’ve read, and I really like that they’re standalone stories with interconnected characters. I’ll definitely be working my way through the rest of her books and hope to see Frankie and Oliver again in the future.

If you’ve never read any of Allison’s books, this is your sign to pick one up!

[Samantha Cupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I would like to thank Allison Speka for the chance to review this ARC. Knowing I loved her writing and was highly anticipating Oliver’s story I had already pre-ordered it but this was so much better for not having to wait till the end of the month!

I fell in love with Oliver in Love Linked and Trip Switch seeing him grow through this book was so much better than even I had anticipated. We were introduced to Frankie in Key Ridge but this book showed such a complexly different and much more complex side to her and I loved it! It’s so refreshing to see how 2 opposites can balance each other for the better and sometimes the plans we have for ourselves all along are Meant for Now but forever is something we can’t plan ❤️

[Amy Bolick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frankie and Oliver were really cute together and I really enjoyed their banter. I liked that they pushed each other out of their comfort zone. I feel like Oliver could have had more growth, but I’m glad he learned to have the tough conversations with his mom. Mattie acting like Frankie should be happy with just a minimum wage job just because she can be a little too carrier driven was ridiculous. While I think they both needed time to figure out what they really wanted in life, I will say they did have good communication. Overall it was a sweet and easy read.