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Meant To #1
Meant to Love
Colden ‘Cold’ Jackson is as cold as his name. He has one purpose in life, to clean up the mess his father left behind and give his younger sister a better life. That is until Penelope shows up, piercing him to his core with her warm smile and soft innocence. She makes him long for things he never knew he wanted.
Penelope’s on the brink of being homeless. With only a few dollars left in her pocket and nowhere to go, she takes a job that sounds too good to be true. She soon discovers the only position her boss will accept is her being his wife. Colden can’t let go of her warmth, and she wants to trust him with her heart. He only has to convince her that she’s changed him forever.
Penelope’s on the brink of being homeless. With only a few dollars left in her pocket and nowhere to go, she takes a job that sounds too good to be true. She soon discovers the only position her boss will accept is her being his wife. Colden can’t let go of her warmth, and she wants to trust him with her heart. He only has to convince her that she’s changed him forever.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
843 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
March 3, 2020
2.5 ⭐
I have to admit.. idk what I feel for this one.. I was meh.. Penelope was cool and had a tough life at the brink of homelessness and she was saved by Colden, now I'll be honest some parts had me confused but I pushed on..
But I enjoyed Colden he was a good alpha male who loved his sister Rochelle (she has her own story:)) everyone else he is mister Stone cold. Until he meets his new assistant Penelope and boy he is head over heels, as for Pen she is confused and wanting her new boss but she thinks he is a manwhore from the internet but he truly isnt he was forced to "go on a date" with the mayor's daughter but he dislikes everyone.. like truly dislike everyone.
Colden is so sprung he got a kitten for him and Penelope 😭🤣🤣🤣
But their is some misunderstandings when Penelope overhears a convo of Colden talking to his sister thinking is a gf. And OW is trying to break them up. Lucky Colden doesnt give a rats ass about anyone but his girl.
No om drama slight ow drama, no cheating, slight secondary chara, sexy times, virgin gal idk his history
Recommend- maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Instalove/lust
Older/younger couple
Slight push away from h
No condom
Safe
Hea
Epilogue
I have to admit.. idk what I feel for this one.. I was meh.. Penelope was cool and had a tough life at the brink of homelessness and she was saved by Colden, now I'll be honest some parts had me confused but I pushed on..
But I enjoyed Colden he was a good alpha male who loved his sister Rochelle (she has her own story:)) everyone else he is mister Stone cold. Until he meets his new assistant Penelope and boy he is head over heels, as for Pen she is confused and wanting her new boss but she thinks he is a manwhore from the internet but he truly isnt he was forced to "go on a date" with the mayor's daughter but he dislikes everyone.. like truly dislike everyone.
Colden is so sprung he got a kitten for him and Penelope 😭🤣🤣🤣
But their is some misunderstandings when Penelope overhears a convo of Colden talking to his sister thinking is a gf. And OW is trying to break them up. Lucky Colden doesnt give a rats ass about anyone but his girl.
No om drama slight ow drama, no cheating, slight secondary chara, sexy times, virgin gal idk his history
Recommend- maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Instalove/lust
Older/younger couple
Slight push away from h
No condom
Safe
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2022
I really enjoyed Meant to Love. It was exactly what I want in an insta love romance. OTT alpha and a sweet heroine and just a quick story that ends in a HEA.
I was shocked to see that this was the first book by the author! The writing was good and the only thing I didn’t like was that the heroine would jump to conclusions instead of asking Colden about things. I had to take a star off for miscommunication.
If you are fans of C.M. Steele and Alexa Riley, then I think you would enjoy this!
I was shocked to see that this was the first book by the author! The writing was good and the only thing I didn’t like was that the heroine would jump to conclusions instead of asking Colden about things. I had to take a star off for miscommunication.
If you are fans of C.M. Steele and Alexa Riley, then I think you would enjoy this!
March 25, 2021
"Meant to Love" is the story of Penelope and Colden.
Grumpy, workaholic hero is too busy to take care of himself, and is being pestered by his sister and OW. When the former hires a live in housekeeper/ PA for him, he does not expect to fall head over heels for her.. but he does. He acts OTT jealous and possessive, there's some kitten gifting and sweet lovemaking, loads of jealousy and OW drama happens before we reach our HEA.
The book was OW heavy but otherwise a good read.
Safe
3.5/5
Grumpy, workaholic hero is too busy to take care of himself, and is being pestered by his sister and OW. When the former hires a live in housekeeper/ PA for him, he does not expect to fall head over heels for her.. but he does. He acts OTT jealous and possessive, there's some kitten gifting and sweet lovemaking, loads of jealousy and OW drama happens before we reach our HEA.
The book was OW heavy but otherwise a good read.
Safe
3.5/5
December 3, 2021
I love Colden, and i smiled every time when he did something to make her feel good, even changing a few of his habits .
Really sweet story *-*
Really sweet story *-*
May 12, 2025
3 Stars
This one's very heavy on insta-love, but it's apparent how the story was meant to be that way. Most of the time I get annoyed with insta-love, but it was well-delivered and justified. Lucy Darling is a new-to-me author and already I can tell she writes deliciously and she weaves her characters in a way to could make a romance reader swoon, no matter how insta-lovey the story is.
Colden Jackson and Penelope Sinclair are both likable characters. Their first encounter was funny and steamy which I enjoyed a lot. I also love how easy it was for Colden to fall for Penelope and how despite being such a rich and Alpha guy, he remains true to his core to never be involved with women if he can't see them as his future wife. It's rare to find MMC with that kind of trait, so plus points! Why 3 out of 5 stars? I feel like this story has a good potential if it was longer and not a novella. The plot has plenty of opportunities to explore when it comes to character and romantic development. However, this still turned out well and I loved their HEA. If you want a quick and easy spicy read, this is definitely a good idea!
This one's very heavy on insta-love, but it's apparent how the story was meant to be that way. Most of the time I get annoyed with insta-love, but it was well-delivered and justified. Lucy Darling is a new-to-me author and already I can tell she writes deliciously and she weaves her characters in a way to could make a romance reader swoon, no matter how insta-lovey the story is.
Colden Jackson and Penelope Sinclair are both likable characters. Their first encounter was funny and steamy which I enjoyed a lot. I also love how easy it was for Colden to fall for Penelope and how despite being such a rich and Alpha guy, he remains true to his core to never be involved with women if he can't see them as his future wife. It's rare to find MMC with that kind of trait, so plus points! Why 3 out of 5 stars? I feel like this story has a good potential if it was longer and not a novella. The plot has plenty of opportunities to explore when it comes to character and romantic development. However, this still turned out well and I loved their HEA. If you want a quick and easy spicy read, this is definitely a good idea!
March 30, 2025
This was really sweet and adorable!!! I‘m usually not really a fan of insta love and this book should have been a workromance (it really wasn’t since Penelope hasn’t really worked for Colden lol). But I enjoyed this little treat so much and that’s all that matters 🤭
March 24, 2025
This book is the perfect blend of cute and a little bit of steam. It was one of those insta-love books that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you're looking for a feel-good romance that will make you smile and swoon, you'll want to read this one. ❤️
😽 MF contemporary romance
😽 Insta-love
😽 Grumpy sunshine
😽 OTT J/P MMC
😽 Virgin FMC
😽 Pregnancies and babies
😽 Low-angst, OTT sweet, schmoopy, swoon-worthy
😽 HEA
😽 Epilogue
🌶 2/5
😽 MF contemporary romance
😽 Insta-love
😽 Grumpy sunshine
😽 OTT J/P MMC
😽 Virgin FMC
😽 Pregnancies and babies
😽 Low-angst, OTT sweet, schmoopy, swoon-worthy
😽 HEA
😽 Epilogue
🌶 2/5
January 31, 2023
This one will melt your panties along with your heart ❤️
LOOOVED this book so DAAAAAYUMMMMM much! It was a steamy, swoony love story with all the feelz. The cold, hard workaholic hero who is brought to his knees by the good, sweet girl who melts his heart while she hardens his other...bits.
There’s also some lighthearted moments with a heroine who is super clutzy and leaves a little trail of chaos in her wake.
This was a super refreshing and exhilarating love story, especially when so many romances today are a constant bombardment of jaded, trashy heroines who can never be the softness to a man’s hardness, that are missing a deep and profound connection between heart and soul.
I CANT wait to read more from this author.
Safe. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned at all except to say he doesn’t date because he’s a workaholic. No details on past. Heroine is a virgin, belongs only to her hero. Some minor unwanted OW drama, which hero shuts down. No OM. No cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue years out.
LOOOVED this book so DAAAAAYUMMMMM much! It was a steamy, swoony love story with all the feelz. The cold, hard workaholic hero who is brought to his knees by the good, sweet girl who melts his heart while she hardens his other...bits.
There’s also some lighthearted moments with a heroine who is super clutzy and leaves a little trail of chaos in her wake.
This was a super refreshing and exhilarating love story, especially when so many romances today are a constant bombardment of jaded, trashy heroines who can never be the softness to a man’s hardness, that are missing a deep and profound connection between heart and soul.
I CANT wait to read more from this author.
Safe. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned at all except to say he doesn’t date because he’s a workaholic. No details on past. Heroine is a virgin, belongs only to her hero. Some minor unwanted OW drama, which hero shuts down. No OM. No cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue years out.
July 2, 2025
A home run.
Sometimes Lucy Darling hits it out of the park for me and this was one of those. The instalove was perfect, the interactions sweet but also held a hint of trouble. I loved Colden, he was definitely the best part.
Read 2: Still love this book. I didn’t really remember it and my first review was vague but it was obvious I liked it so I wanted to give it another read. The way Colden becomes instantly obsessed with Penny and does a complete 180 with his life is great. I like how jealous he is and that he secretly keeps tabs on her.
Sometimes Lucy Darling hits it out of the park for me and this was one of those. The instalove was perfect, the interactions sweet but also held a hint of trouble. I loved Colden, he was definitely the best part.
Read 2: Still love this book. I didn’t really remember it and my first review was vague but it was obvious I liked it so I wanted to give it another read. The way Colden becomes instantly obsessed with Penny and does a complete 180 with his life is great. I like how jealous he is and that he secretly keeps tabs on her.
November 11, 2019
Loved it!! Reminded me of earlier Alexa Riley. Colden was adorable.
November 7, 2019
Insta Love!
A drama free read that’s both steaming hot and cute.
When Penny loses her job due to her mother’s handy work she has no where to go. Little money and one suitcase that holds all her belongings. She’s down to her last few dollies and knows if she doesn’t find a new job soon she’ll be living on the street.
Landing a job as a personal assistant to Colden she’s not sure what it entails but she’ll take it.
Colden or Cold as he’s known for us arrogant and pretty ruthless the only person he shows affection to is his sister Rochelle. But when he spots his new personal assistant that all changes. She’s his missing person. The other part of his soul.
If your after insta love that’s well written and has a story you can’t put down then you need to jump on board. Throw in an ALPHA male who’ll stop at nothing to claim his angel then your set. Brand new author for me and one I’ll be checking out.
A drama free read that’s both steaming hot and cute.
When Penny loses her job due to her mother’s handy work she has no where to go. Little money and one suitcase that holds all her belongings. She’s down to her last few dollies and knows if she doesn’t find a new job soon she’ll be living on the street.
Landing a job as a personal assistant to Colden she’s not sure what it entails but she’ll take it.
Colden or Cold as he’s known for us arrogant and pretty ruthless the only person he shows affection to is his sister Rochelle. But when he spots his new personal assistant that all changes. She’s his missing person. The other part of his soul.
If your after insta love that’s well written and has a story you can’t put down then you need to jump on board. Throw in an ALPHA male who’ll stop at nothing to claim his angel then your set. Brand new author for me and one I’ll be checking out.
February 17, 2020
ITS A QUICK SAFE SWEET LOVE STORY :) i was smiling all the time reading this :’)
- IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE HERO HEAR THE HEROINE’S NAMED BEING MENTION by his assistant and somehow smell the heroine’s perfume, HE FELT A STRONG PULL AND WANT THE HEROINE SOooo BAD... So sweet omg i was smiling
- LOVE IN FIRST SIGHT
- NO SEPARATION
- DRAMA WITH OW but not too annoying and she only show up twice and seriously not annoying at all.. she was not a ex or something like that, the ow liked the hero because his rich but THE HERO IMMEDIATELY DECLINE THE OW AND NOT EVEN TOUCHING HER. The hero was pretty cold to anyone well beside the heroine of course...
NO DRAMA WITH OM!
- THE HERO IS OTT POSSESSIVE ALPHA MALE
He even didn’t want the heroine to wear something too open because he doesn’t want any guy saw her bare skin even a little!
- MANY JEALOUS SCENE FROM THE HERO
- HEROINE IS A VIRGIN. I didn’t remember the hero though being a virgin or what because he didn’t quite mention it or even say anyone else.
- THE HERO IS A COLD person to anyone but he never do that to the heroine...
- THE HERO ALWAYS SAID you Are Mine!
- HAPPY ENDING! Few years later and they have kids together like 3 kids! CUTE EPILOGUE :’)
- IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE HERO HEAR THE HEROINE’S NAMED BEING MENTION by his assistant and somehow smell the heroine’s perfume, HE FELT A STRONG PULL AND WANT THE HEROINE SOooo BAD... So sweet omg i was smiling
- LOVE IN FIRST SIGHT
- NO SEPARATION
- DRAMA WITH OW but not too annoying and she only show up twice and seriously not annoying at all.. she was not a ex or something like that, the ow liked the hero because his rich but THE HERO IMMEDIATELY DECLINE THE OW AND NOT EVEN TOUCHING HER. The hero was pretty cold to anyone well beside the heroine of course...
NO DRAMA WITH OM!
- THE HERO IS OTT POSSESSIVE ALPHA MALE
He even didn’t want the heroine to wear something too open because he doesn’t want any guy saw her bare skin even a little!
- MANY JEALOUS SCENE FROM THE HERO
- HEROINE IS A VIRGIN. I didn’t remember the hero though being a virgin or what because he didn’t quite mention it or even say anyone else.
- THE HERO IS A COLD person to anyone but he never do that to the heroine...
- THE HERO ALWAYS SAID you Are Mine!
- HAPPY ENDING! Few years later and they have kids together like 3 kids! CUTE EPILOGUE :’)
November 29, 2019
Good
3.5 Stars
This was a good story but there were a few inconsistencies in it that left me a little confused. It’s nothing too big, nothing that ruined the story for me. It is insta love and things move very quickly between the Penelope and Colden. He knows she is it for him and won’t let anyone stand in his way.
Safety and Spoilers
Safe. No om drama, H’s assistant makes him go on a date with the mayor’s daughter because they were seen together the night before at a business dinner. There was a photo of her hanging and her sister hanging off of him in the paper. Nothing happened between any of them, H can’t stand them. Assistant wants to humour the mayor and keep in his good favour. Ow is not a nice woman and H treats her pretty horribly, again nothing happens between them but the h sees them together before she has met the H and it confuses her a bit. She thinks he is a manwhore. Ow comes back to cause some minor drama later in the story too.
Wasn’t sure about the H’s virginity but h is a virgin. No abuse.
3.5 Stars
This was a good story but there were a few inconsistencies in it that left me a little confused. It’s nothing too big, nothing that ruined the story for me. It is insta love and things move very quickly between the Penelope and Colden. He knows she is it for him and won’t let anyone stand in his way.
Safety and Spoilers
Safe. No om drama, H’s assistant makes him go on a date with the mayor’s daughter because they were seen together the night before at a business dinner. There was a photo of her hanging and her sister hanging off of him in the paper. Nothing happened between any of them, H can’t stand them. Assistant wants to humour the mayor and keep in his good favour. Ow is not a nice woman and H treats her pretty horribly, again nothing happens between them but the h sees them together before she has met the H and it confuses her a bit. She thinks he is a manwhore. Ow comes back to cause some minor drama later in the story too.
Wasn’t sure about the H’s virginity but h is a virgin. No abuse.
November 25, 2019
Loved it actually. Very sweet with steam. Can't wait for more from this author.
April 23, 2020
Penelope está a punto de quedarse en la calle por culpa de algo que ha hecho su madre. Pero cuando en una agencia de trabajo temporal le ofrecen un trabajo como asistente en una casa ella lo coge sin dudar. Pero en el momento en que Colden y ella se conocen ella tendrá un destino muy diferente a ser su criada.
Como siempre, una maravilla. Son historias cortitas, amor a primera vista, obsesión y rapidez en casarse, final feliz y siempre mucho amor y mil hijos! Y sin drama! Ya sabéis que de estos libros poco se puede decir porque si no se cuenta la historia toda, solo deciros que son maravillosas para pasar el rato !
Como siempre, una maravilla. Son historias cortitas, amor a primera vista, obsesión y rapidez en casarse, final feliz y siempre mucho amor y mil hijos! Y sin drama! Ya sabéis que de estos libros poco se puede decir porque si no se cuenta la historia toda, solo deciros que son maravillosas para pasar el rato !
November 4, 2019
Adorable, quick hot read
Penelope's luck changes when she gets hired on as personal assistant to Colder. He's a sexy bossy man who knows what he wants and it's all Penny. Sweet story with lots of heat. Very low drama and a cute fluffy kitty made this an enjoyable read. Looking forward to Ro and Leo's story.
Penelope's luck changes when she gets hired on as personal assistant to Colder. He's a sexy bossy man who knows what he wants and it's all Penny. Sweet story with lots of heat. Very low drama and a cute fluffy kitty made this an enjoyable read. Looking forward to Ro and Leo's story.
December 13, 2020
The writing style did not work for me.
March 4, 2020
It was an easy to read no-brainer kind of a story.I think I would have had dnf it had it been a full length novel because a lot of what happens in the story seems more like a fantasy than something that can actually happen in the real world.
Colden thinking to himself that Penelope might change his life when his assistant smells like Penelope even though that is the first time he has heard her name is one of such examples that had me rolling me eyes.
I liked Colden and was more invested in him than Penelope. I feel that with Colden I knew exactly how he felt about Penny and how his feelings gradually transformed to love. While with Penny it all seems rushed and a little abrupt, we are told that she was attracted to him the moment she saw him and started to like him after the first few interactions but her confessing she loves him and suddenly agreeing to marry him seemed like a forced conclusion.
Colden thinking to himself that Penelope might change his life when his assistant smells like Penelope even though that is the first time he has heard her name is one of such examples that had me rolling me eyes.
I liked Colden and was more invested in him than Penelope. I feel that with Colden I knew exactly how he felt about Penny and how his feelings gradually transformed to love. While with Penny it all seems rushed and a little abrupt, we are told that she was attracted to him the moment she saw him and started to like him after the first few interactions but her confessing she loves him and suddenly agreeing to marry him seemed like a forced conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2019
Insta Love
I am 2 for 2 with this author! She is quickly taking the place of another author I love but no longer has her books on Amazon.
I absolutely loved this insta love story!
Very sweet couple.
I am 2 for 2 with this author! She is quickly taking the place of another author I love but no longer has her books on Amazon.
I absolutely loved this insta love story!
Very sweet couple.
December 15, 2023
If you need a quick and cute romance with an over protective love interest this is the one for you! Penelope was so adorable and I always love me a “cold on the outside but sweet for his girl on the inside” type of guy
April 4, 2020
Cute love story. Took a bit to get moving, but it was good. Colden realizes Penny is for him and does not care about her past. 3 stars
May 20, 2021
2.5 they’re cute but i still would want more than 120 pages of them
April 16, 2023
2.5⭐️
It was an average quick read. Not a favourite but still ok.
POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 1st in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F adult, age gap, work colleagues romance.
SIZE: 81 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Colden (late 20s?) & Penelope (18?)
PLOT: 📚📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶🌶/5
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: N/A
⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
It was an average quick read. Not a favourite but still ok.
POV: Dual, 1st person.
SERIES or STANDALONE: 1st in series, can be read as a standalone.
TROPES: M/F adult, age gap, work colleagues romance.
SIZE: 81 (last page) Kindle pages.
CHARACTERS: Colden (late 20s?) & Penelope (18?)
PLOT: 📚📚📚/5
ROMANCE: ❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
SPICE/STEAM: 🌶🌶/5
DARKNESS/TRIGGERS: N/A
⚠️ My bookshelves can contain spoilers.
January 6, 2020
Slap the clumsy h
This is a cute cheesy instalove. It was alright and about what you’d expect from this type of book. But again, it’s another not self aware dim wit called clumsy in the book heroine. So that just really made the book annoying.
This is a cute cheesy instalove. It was alright and about what you’d expect from this type of book. But again, it’s another not self aware dim wit called clumsy in the book heroine. So that just really made the book annoying.
May 13, 2021
Love at first sight
Sweet, clumsy virgin heroine
J/p hero
Hot sex scenes
HEA✅
Epilogue ✅
Triggers
Sweet, clumsy virgin heroine
J/p hero
Hot sex scenes
HEA✅
Epilogue ✅
Triggers
October 1, 2023
I adored this. It’s a super short yet sweet insta love romance between a billionaire and his new ‘assistant’. The only reason it’s not 5⭐️ is because I can’t stand when people jump to conclusions instead of finding out the truth. To each their own though. 🫶🏻
dnf
January 14, 2020DNF @ 65% — idiots, both of them
March 14, 2020
Great read
I enjoyed this story. Colder was funny and "Angel" was a sweetheart. I loved the author's writing style and the editing was good.
I enjoyed this story. Colder was funny and "Angel" was a sweetheart. I loved the author's writing style and the editing was good.
April 17, 2020
Another disappointment....
July 8, 2020
4 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 27: Jun 28 – Jul 4 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 27: Jun 28 – Jul 4 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews