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Key Ridge #2

Meant for Now

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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…

366 pages, Paperback

Published May 29, 2025

1557 people are currently reading
9452 people want to read

About the author

Allison Speka

9 books574 followers
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

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5 stars
522 (23%)
4 stars
834 (37%)
3 stars
664 (29%)
2 stars
168 (7%)
1 star
32 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Boddie.
10 reviews
May 13, 2025
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.
2 reviews
May 11, 2025
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!
Profile Image for Lia Reads.
536 reviews463 followers
July 4, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Nina.
6 reviews
November 5, 2025
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
Profile Image for Amanda.
654 reviews27 followers
July 23, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Belarna.
7 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Oluchi.
233 reviews2 followers
did-not-finish
December 22, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Laura Joslyn.
48 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2025
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!
Profile Image for KJ Krzewski.
236 reviews
May 15, 2025
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)
Profile Image for Hayley Nicoson.
30 reviews
May 13, 2025
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!
Profile Image for Olivia Bernitt.
5 reviews
May 13, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Caroline Racke.
93 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2025
This book had me hooked from the dedication! I loved the early chemistry between Frankie and Oliver and could not put the book down.
Profile Image for Liz Kulhanek.
5 reviews11 followers
May 9, 2025
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!
Profile Image for Cecelia.
102 reviews
May 16, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Jessica.
6 reviews
May 18, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Shannon.
19 reviews
June 30, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Georgie.
131 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2025
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
Profile Image for Jlynn.
75 reviews
August 12, 2025
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!
Profile Image for Jenna Marie.
8 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Laureninpink.
102 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2025
The perfect cosy realistic small town romance.
No third act break up nonsense, just two mature adults who actually talk about their feelings.
Profile Image for Sam.
33 reviews
May 21, 2025
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!
Profile Image for Kornelija Jankauskė.
34 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2025
Pirmoj knygoj pana chase’ino bičą taip ir antroj knygos pana chase’ina bičą. Kas nebūtų blogai !JEI! pas tuos bičus būtų kažkoks character growth (????) 🫠 atrodo, kad šitą knygą parašė kažkokia trad wife pagal kurią tu gyveni neteisingai jei nemeti savo svajonių ir pasiekimų dėl berno kuris vos vos tau dėmesio rodo.
Setting the scene: type A pana karjeristė praranda darbą ir sutinka bičą kuris yra tiesiog vaikas 30 mečio kūne, nes gi gyvenime nereikia dirbt reikia linksmintis, reikia valkiotis po visur, o visi kurie dirba ofisina darba nežino, kas yra geras gyvenimas ir yra lopai. NES STATYTIS GYVENIMĄ IR PASTOVUMAS YRA BLOGIS ŠETONAS. Tada jie susitaria, kad hey jis ją išmokys “linksmintis” ir “mėgautis” gyvenimu, o jis tada lei, kad ji padėtų jam pasidėtioti 5 year plan. Mergina leidžias į tuos nuotykius, net jei nėra dėl to labai laiminga, o bičas galiausiai sako apgavau aš ištikro tau nebūčiau leidęs man su jokiu 5 year plan. 😬 okay tai turim manipuliuotoją kuris ne gana to, kad nesilaiko savo žodžio tai dar is visa knyga stumia, kad ji nori darbą susirasti. Šiaip visa knygą yra kažkokia heito odė žmonėm kurie nori siekti karjeros ir dirbti ofisinį darbą, nes jei nesi mažo miestelio padavėja ar tu tikrai gyveni gerą gyvenimą?? 🤨 Aišku merginai characteris kažkoks developinas, o vat vyro didžiausias pasiekimas per visą knygą tai, kad su mama pradėjo šnekėti, dėl kažkokių issues kurie galėjo būti senai išspresti, ir aišku čia belekoks lūžis va žmogui akyse prašviesėjo. Galiausiai klasiškai mergina pameta visus savo norus ir savo svajones, nes turėti manipuliatorių vyrą šalia yra kiekvienos mergaites svajonė. Ir va toks fairytale endingas. Gerai, kad dar nebuvo pregnancy trope, nes būčiau susikūrus booktoką tik tam, kad galėčiau dalintis kokia lieva šita knyga. Čia šiaip šita knygą yra įžeidimas hallmark filmam, ten, kad ir cringe, bent kažkoki gerą jausmą palieka.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
13 reviews
May 14, 2025
First I want to thank Allison Speka for giving me the opportunity to read this early as an eARC I am so grateful for that.

Second I need to say I did not finish this book I DNFd at 50% and while it is a short book and I did want to finish it to give a more informed review. It was honestly starting to feel too much like a chore and I was worried it would negatively impact my review.

Ok the review - I love the premise of the book with the black cat/ golden retriever opposites attract story line. I also loved the setting and I loved the banter! I did not love the long chapters or the constant over explaining of things. I felt there were many things that could have been shown through actions rather than told. I think it’s a good start but the book needed a lot more work to be a great book. It’s better than anything I could of written and it’s a great accomplishment to have so many published books but I do think that her books are just being over hyped on TikTok when they really aren’t that well written.

I did see other people commenting on the other 2 star review saying they shouldn’t have started with this book which is what I did but I was led to believe this is an interconnected stand alone and so I don’t believe that should negatively impact my reading experience.
Profile Image for Cadence Bookworm.
47 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2025
Thank you, Allison Speka for giving me an opportunity to ARC read for your upcoming book! You can pick up Meant For Now on May 29, 2025!

4 ⭐️

It’s a cute love story that takes place in a small town in Colorado during the winter season.

I always loved the opposite attracts trope because I find it enjoyable. Frankie and Oliver are adorable together and loved their banter! Oliver is definitely a bit of a goofball and a risk taker. And I loved that Frankie is very ambitious about her career. The chemistry was palpable and I was laughing the entire time.

The writing is fast-paced and I’d definitely be reading more of Speka’s books in the future!

Meant For Now is perfect if you’re looking for:

- small town romance
- opposite attracts trope
- he falls first
- 2000s romcom vibes
Profile Image for Samantha Cupp.
72 reviews
May 8, 2025
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 ❤️
Profile Image for Tara.
242 reviews7 followers
May 21, 2025
4.5* rounded up!

This was pure delight from beginning to end. The writing is effortlessly engaging, and the characters felt wonderfully relatable and real!

While it's definitely a sweet romance.. it’s also a story about growth, about letting go, and about finding joy in the unexpected. I loved the chemistry and the banter between Frankie and Oliver and it was a great reminder that sometimes life’s best moments arrive when you least expect them. An absolute must-read!

Thank you to @Allison Speka for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Bolick.
48 reviews5 followers
May 26, 2025
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews

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