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Twist of Fate #1
Meant to Be
Two broken hearts discover an unpredictable path to healing in an emotional romance about fate and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst. It’s been two years since Chiara Kennedy lost her dearest friend, Rory. Chiara misses everything about her. Rory’s widowed husband is another story. Sebastian Ryder is a man Chiara had secretly wanted, let slip away, and hoped to never see again. Then fate throws them together for an unexpected one-night stand and a morning after of new challenges. Sebastian had a soul mate in Rory. Shutting down after his tragic loss, he kept a cool distance from everyone—including Chiara, with whom he once shared a deep if fleeting affection. That was over and done with a long time ago. But when they meet again, old emotions resurface along with a heart-wounding past that haunts them both. As Chiara and Sebastian grow closer, finally getting to know each other, Chiara struggles with feelings of guilt even as she cherishes her second chance with Sebastian. Will fate allow them to overcome the past, or are they destined to always wonder if they are truly meant to be?
Audio CD
First published April 19, 2022
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About the author
Jennifer Probst
123 books10.3k followersJennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.
She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.
She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
April 19, 2022
DNF @ 20% 😬
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spoilers ⬇️
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ok so a guy at a bar tried to roofie our MC Chiara, Ryder shows up, neither know the drink is drugged, he drinks it instead, gets drugged, Chiara realizes he was drugged and takes him home to monitor him and then THEY HAVE SEX when he comes in her room later, AFTER HE WAS ROOFIED and she wasn't drunk, just somehow thought the sex WAS JUST A DREAM, he doesn't remember the sex at all, and oh yeah, oops she's pregnant... I mean what??? No need to read any further after that nonsense. 🤷🏼♀️
I never DNF books and in the last month I have DNF two. Two! What is happening?!
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spoilers ⬇️
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ok so a guy at a bar tried to roofie our MC Chiara, Ryder shows up, neither know the drink is drugged, he drinks it instead, gets drugged, Chiara realizes he was drugged and takes him home to monitor him and then THEY HAVE SEX when he comes in her room later, AFTER HE WAS ROOFIED and she wasn't drunk, just somehow thought the sex WAS JUST A DREAM, he doesn't remember the sex at all, and oh yeah, oops she's pregnant... I mean what??? No need to read any further after that nonsense. 🤷🏼♀️
I never DNF books and in the last month I have DNF two. Two! What is happening?!
September 5, 2022
Meant to Be is the first book in a new contemporary romance series by Jennifer Probst and is actually the first book I have read by the author.
As the name of the book and series suggests this is all about second chance and fated romance. I have heard a lot about Jennifer Probst books and there are a lot of fans of her writing but for a newbie like me this book was just alright. If we talk about the characters the only one I liked was Sebastian. As a school guidance counsellor, I liked his interactions with his students and the teenagers he helps out and he seemed overall likeable. I couldn't say the same about Chiara and her friends, who run a successful women based online lifestyle magazine called Quench. I particularly didn't warm up to Chiara at all. I have read quite a lot of contemporary romances and some of them have been very good; this book isn't one of them.
Also, the book cover design can be improved. The guy in the picture just doesn't look like how Sebastian has been described in the book.
Overall, an average read but since the author is quite popular I will try reading her other books and series. I also have the ARC to the second book so hopefully that will turn out to be better.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Montlake and the author for the e-Arc of the book.
As the name of the book and series suggests this is all about second chance and fated romance. I have heard a lot about Jennifer Probst books and there are a lot of fans of her writing but for a newbie like me this book was just alright. If we talk about the characters the only one I liked was Sebastian. As a school guidance counsellor, I liked his interactions with his students and the teenagers he helps out and he seemed overall likeable. I couldn't say the same about Chiara and her friends, who run a successful women based online lifestyle magazine called Quench. I particularly didn't warm up to Chiara at all. I have read quite a lot of contemporary romances and some of them have been very good; this book isn't one of them.
Also, the book cover design can be improved. The guy in the picture just doesn't look like how Sebastian has been described in the book.
Overall, an average read but since the author is quite popular I will try reading her other books and series. I also have the ARC to the second book so hopefully that will turn out to be better.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Montlake and the author for the e-Arc of the book.
April 19, 2022
Chiara + Sebastian
Five years ago they spent an amazing evening together talking about life and hopes and dreams and ... they just clicked. But they they wanted different things. Sebastian was ready for the white picket fence and Chiara wanted to be free to enjoy her life.
A little while later she meets her best friend Rory's soon-to-be-husband. Sebastian.
The next three years they try to pretend they don't know each other. And then Rory dies and Chiara and the other two girls in their bestie group have to run their company without Rory.
Another two years go by without Chiara and Sebastian seeing much of each other. But then one slightly drunken/roofied night leads to a one-night stand neither of them wanted - but which they also kind of did want but would never admit to....
But there can never be anything real between them, right? Not with Rory between them and with their friends and Rory's dad and the whole town knowing their business ...
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH CHIARA + SEBASTIAN?
WILL THERE BE A HEA??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺
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Welll... I'm not so sure what to say.
This didn't grab me the way Jennifer's books usually do.
I don't know what it was. Maybe the dead wife thing - there have been too many books with that trope this year already... Or maybe I just didn't connect with any of the people. I almost stopped reading in the prologue already. But I kept going and it did get better - but I was still not sure I wanted to read this. Mostly because of the dead wife. But I also sometimes had the feeling that this book was written in 1991 and Jennifer just now decided to release it. No idea why, but it felt so old at times. And the jobs of both our darlings - it was too much for me. Too much talk about it, too much bla bla that just wasn't part of their romance.
And the whole accidental one-night stand thingy? A tiny bit too ridiculous.
BUT... in the end - I kinda liked reading it. It was romantic and sparky and heartbreaking and fun. It just wasn't my favorite Jen Probst book. But I will still read the 2nd book! And I really hope Ford will be book 3?!
MEANT TO BE was a great start to this new romance series. Sparky, fun, sexy, heartbreaking ... I loved the dog the most!
💜
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April 30, 2022
DNF 25%
I've read and enjoyed many of Probst books but this one has such a convoluted and silly premise I couldn't get past it despite my best efforts.
Spoilers ahead:
Both MCs have a meet cute some years ago but decide not to act on it because reasons. Later on, the MMC marries, turns out it's the FMC's best friend. Alright. Awkward. They both decide to NEVER any of their friends know about their fallout meet-cute from years ago, supposedly to avoid people getting hurt (dishonesty is better apparently). Whatever. Let's allow it for angst purposes.
Unsurprisingly, the MMC's wife dies in a terrible accident a couple years or so into their marriage (of course).
Both MCs continue their game of avoidance, the MMC is still grieving and a couple years pass until they have another meet cute of sorts. I'm saying "of sorts " because that night, the MMC unbestknown to him saves the FMC from getting roofied at a bar. He intercepts a drink meant for her and gets the full effect of the drug instead of her. FMC decides to assist him by bringing him back to her house (?) to sleep it off. (???) (Why not a hospital tho? Oh, right, because of what comes next)
The same night we get a point of view from the MMC, describing a steamy dream with the MFC.
Then the author switches back to the MFC waking up realizing she's "SORE" between her legs.
FFS.
So yeah they had unprotected sex and he thought that was a dream because he was high as a kite and her excuse is... she was tired from checking up on him all night she thought she was having a sex dream? Alright.
The man wants to talk it out for obvious reasons. The woman decides to just forget the whole ordeal happened, refuses to talk to the MMC until of course she has no choice but to acknowledge the situation because she could be pregnant. So they decide to spend time together in the (most likely) event she has conceived.
These characters are easily in their early forties, why are they acting like teenagers? Also this trope is so fucking tired and silly.
I've read and enjoyed many of Probst books but this one has such a convoluted and silly premise I couldn't get past it despite my best efforts.
Spoilers ahead:
Both MCs have a meet cute some years ago but decide not to act on it because reasons. Later on, the MMC marries, turns out it's the FMC's best friend. Alright. Awkward. They both decide to NEVER any of their friends know about their fallout meet-cute from years ago, supposedly to avoid people getting hurt (dishonesty is better apparently). Whatever. Let's allow it for angst purposes.
Unsurprisingly, the MMC's wife dies in a terrible accident a couple years or so into their marriage (of course).
Both MCs continue their game of avoidance, the MMC is still grieving and a couple years pass until they have another meet cute of sorts. I'm saying "of sorts " because that night, the MMC unbestknown to him saves the FMC from getting roofied at a bar. He intercepts a drink meant for her and gets the full effect of the drug instead of her. FMC decides to assist him by bringing him back to her house (?) to sleep it off. (???) (Why not a hospital tho? Oh, right, because of what comes next)
The same night we get a point of view from the MMC, describing a steamy dream with the MFC.
Then the author switches back to the MFC waking up realizing she's "SORE" between her legs.
FFS.
So yeah they had unprotected sex and he thought that was a dream because he was high as a kite and her excuse is... she was tired from checking up on him all night she thought she was having a sex dream? Alright.
The man wants to talk it out for obvious reasons. The woman decides to just forget the whole ordeal happened, refuses to talk to the MMC until of course she has no choice but to acknowledge the situation because she could be pregnant. So they decide to spend time together in the (most likely) event she has conceived.
These characters are easily in their early forties, why are they acting like teenagers? Also this trope is so fucking tired and silly.
April 19, 2022
I’ve liked several of the Jennifer Probst books I’ve read (I mean...obviously...since I keep reading her books), so I was excited to get an ARC of Meant to Be. But mostly, this book was just frustrating.
And I don’t even feel like I can give a synopsis without going into spoiler territory. It’s very evident by the cover blurb the author wants the reader to be surprised at what happens between the hero and heroine. So all I’m going to say is this: both the hero and heroine made me cranky, but more so the heroine. Everyone in the couple’s life was telling them to be happy together, and the heroine just wouldn’t let it happen.
In fact, the one thing I DID like about this book is how all the side characters were supportive and encouraging. The author could have stirred up all this extra angst and drama, so it was refreshing things didn't go that way!
But the rest of the book? I spent a good deal of the time not believing this was written by Jennifer Probst. I almost DNFed at 20%, but then the not-to-be-mentioned “plot twist” happened and I let myself get sucked in. But the whole book was filled with whiny, repetitive thoughts (“I’m stealing my best friend’s life” or some iteration of that phrase was thought or said 15 times…and the friend had died in a car crash two years prior - honey, you can't steal from a dead person), and two main characters who vacillated so quickly between “I love you” and “we can’t/shouldn’t be together” they could probably use a good chiropractor to adjust their necks from all that whiplash.
I should have liked this book - it has one of my favorite tropes. But when characters spend too much time in their heads and get in their own way of happiness, it just ruins things. Better luck to me next time…
* thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
And I don’t even feel like I can give a synopsis without going into spoiler territory. It’s very evident by the cover blurb the author wants the reader to be surprised at what happens between the hero and heroine. So all I’m going to say is this: both the hero and heroine made me cranky, but more so the heroine. Everyone in the couple’s life was telling them to be happy together, and the heroine just wouldn’t let it happen.
In fact, the one thing I DID like about this book is how all the side characters were supportive and encouraging. The author could have stirred up all this extra angst and drama, so it was refreshing things didn't go that way!
But the rest of the book? I spent a good deal of the time not believing this was written by Jennifer Probst. I almost DNFed at 20%, but then the not-to-be-mentioned “plot twist” happened and I let myself get sucked in. But the whole book was filled with whiny, repetitive thoughts (“I’m stealing my best friend’s life” or some iteration of that phrase was thought or said 15 times…and the friend had died in a car crash two years prior - honey, you can't steal from a dead person), and two main characters who vacillated so quickly between “I love you” and “we can’t/shouldn’t be together” they could probably use a good chiropractor to adjust their necks from all that whiplash.
I should have liked this book - it has one of my favorite tropes. But when characters spend too much time in their heads and get in their own way of happiness, it just ruins things. Better luck to me next time…
* thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 29, 2023
I have been on hunt for the surprise baby trope for quite a while and this one perfectly did it for me. I really enjoyed it. Especially with all the angst and the tension. Along with that, the MCs were mature but fun. I really liked the fact that it had a dual PoV. Also, I absolutely have a liking of the way Probst heavily focuses on individual character growth and development, and it is something I very much look forward to in my reads.
Read
June 1, 2022The beginning was a deal breaker for me. The reason is the heroine connected to the hero one night and then later gets introduced to him as her best friends boyfriend. I don’t want to see a romance with a guy who would do that.
June 6, 2022
3 Stars
I'll keep this short...
This one was alright, but sadly, it just did not pack the utter magic that was The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti.
Basically, the MCs met once years ago but decided not to act on their mutual attraction at the time. Instead, the hero ends up marrying her best friend. They end up bumping into each other again years later after said best friend died in a tragic car accident and have a one-night stand. There were some good parts and some emotional ones that I enjoyed, but overall, this seemed like it was YA type behavior. Not the behavior of two people in their early forties. There was just too much drama in this story for me to fully connect with either character.
If accidental pregnancy is your thing, this book might totally work for you. It just missed the mark for me.
I'll keep this short...
This one was alright, but sadly, it just did not pack the utter magic that was The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti.
Basically, the MCs met once years ago but decided not to act on their mutual attraction at the time. Instead, the hero ends up marrying her best friend. They end up bumping into each other again years later after said best friend died in a tragic car accident and have a one-night stand. There were some good parts and some emotional ones that I enjoyed, but overall, this seemed like it was YA type behavior. Not the behavior of two people in their early forties. There was just too much drama in this story for me to fully connect with either character.
If accidental pregnancy is your thing, this book might totally work for you. It just missed the mark for me.
April 19, 2022
I am going to start my review by saying I believe there should be a content warning due to a subject matter that may trigger some readers, I couldn't find any on the authors website so if you would like to know more about it please feel free to reach out to me on any of my social media accounts or through my blog for more details.
We start off with Chiara meeting Sebastian in a bar one night and talking for hours and although they felt a deep connection they wanted different things in life so they parted ways only for him to reenter her life when one of her best friends started dating him, and they were perfect for one another. Now here we are several years later after her friend had passed away and they are once again in each others lives.
There's a lot going on in this story but if I get into it will give too much away so I will leave it at this was the time they were meant to be together and may be just may be they needed to go through all that they had to get to this place.
I really enjoyed this story and the chemistry between Sebastian and Chiara was explosive. I cannot wait until we get Chiara's besties' stories because those women are a hoot!
If you enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Second Chance Romances, or the Surprise Pregnancy Trope I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewMtB
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
We start off with Chiara meeting Sebastian in a bar one night and talking for hours and although they felt a deep connection they wanted different things in life so they parted ways only for him to reenter her life when one of her best friends started dating him, and they were perfect for one another. Now here we are several years later after her friend had passed away and they are once again in each others lives.
There's a lot going on in this story but if I get into it will give too much away so I will leave it at this was the time they were meant to be together and may be just may be they needed to go through all that they had to get to this place.
I really enjoyed this story and the chemistry between Sebastian and Chiara was explosive. I cannot wait until we get Chiara's besties' stories because those women are a hoot!
If you enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Second Chance Romances, or the Surprise Pregnancy Trope I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewMtB
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
dnf
March 29, 2022ARC kindly provided by Montlake
DNF at 21%
It’s weird that I dnf a book because it makes me feel uncomfortable, but it has happened. The MCs have sex when he was drugged and she wasn’t, but she thought she was dreaming. I’m sorry but how do you have sex thinking you are dreaming? I can admit being groggy at first… but girl, there’s a limit. And she’s pregnant because it was, obviously, unprotected. I’m sorry but this is wrong at so many levels, I don’t want to continue reading.
DNF at 21%
It’s weird that I dnf a book because it makes me feel uncomfortable, but it has happened. The MCs have sex when he was drugged and she wasn’t, but she thought she was dreaming. I’m sorry but how do you have sex thinking you are dreaming? I can admit being groggy at first… but girl, there’s a limit. And she’s pregnant because it was, obviously, unprotected. I’m sorry but this is wrong at so many levels, I don’t want to continue reading.
April 13, 2022
3.75 stars-- MEANT TO BE is the first instalment in Jennifer Probst’s contemporary, adult TWIST OF FATE romance series focusing on three friends (Chiara, Malia, Tessa) who own Quench, a women’s online magazine. This is Quench editor in chief Chiara Kennedy , and high school guidance counselor Sebastian Ryder.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Chiara and Sebastian) following three timelines MEANT TO BE focuses on the acrimonious relationship between Quench editor in chief Chiara Kennedy, and high school guidance counselor Sebastian Ryder. Five years earlier Chiara Kennedy and Sebastian Ryder met and spent one glorious night talking about life, love and everything it had to offer but Chiara believed it would never work between one another, and walked away without looking back until months later, her best friend and co-owner at Quench, Rory, introduced everyone to her new boyfriend Sebastian Ryder. Three years would pass, until the day Sebastian and Quench would lose Rory to a car accident, an accident that left Sebastian a shell of his former self. Fast forward to present day, Chiara and Sebastian, who haven’t spoken to one another in close to five years, would reconnect at a local bar, a bar where Sebastian and Chiara’s life would take a fateful turn. A one-night stand leaves Sebastian wondering about the what ifs and whys, and a guilt-ridden Chiara to worry about betraying her best friend and the memories they held. What ensues is the building but contemptuous relationship between Chiara and Sebastian, and the potential fall-out as Chiara is unable to let go of the guilt and grief leaving a heart broken Sebastian to wonder where everything went wrong.
Chiara Kennedy is a strong willed, independent, assertive and determined thirty something woman whose fast paced life style doesn’t leave room for romance or love. On the fast track to success, Chiara refuses to acknowledge her attraction to Sebastian Ryder, the man who once starred in her fantasies and dreams but the man to whom her best friend was once married. Keeping her distance from Sebastian wasn’t easy but as the years past, the anger grew towards the man with whom she would fall in love. Sebastian Ryder has never stopped thinking about the woman that got away but falling in love with Rory meant a chance at happiness, although a brief happiness until his world fell apart.
The relationship between Chiara and Sebastian is one of second chances, of a sorts, in the wake of what was and what will never be. Chiara broke Sebastian’s heart when she told him it would never work out but when Chiara refused to acknowledge their previous connection, Sebastian found himself on the outside looking in with the woman he loved. Struggling to convince Chiara to give him a second chance only pushed our couple further apart until fate intervened pulling our couple in another direction. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Chiara’s friends and partners at Quench: Malia Evergreen, and Tessa; Rory’s father and café owner Mike; high school English teachers Emma Primm, and Pete Kempsey; Sebastian’s friend and volunteer at the Dream On Youth Center Ford.
MEANT TO BE is a story of grief, betrayal and loneliness, guilt and acceptance, second chances and love. The premise is engaging; the characters are spirited ; the romance is fated but saying that the relationship between Chiara and Sebastian was challenging-Chiara was not a likeable heroine, and in this I struggled to like the overall story. Chiara Kennedy’s attraction to Sebastian was overridden by her guilt about her friendship with Rory, and the ongoing lie she perfected about meeting Sebastian years before. Throughout the story line Chiara is almost insensitive and cold towards our story line hero, spending most of her time distancing from Sebastian; pushing her attraction down, pulling away from the man with whom she would fall in love. There is plenty going on in and between their lives but Chiara refuses to admit or accept the attraction or what was always meant to be.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Chiara and Sebastian) following three timelines MEANT TO BE focuses on the acrimonious relationship between Quench editor in chief Chiara Kennedy, and high school guidance counselor Sebastian Ryder. Five years earlier Chiara Kennedy and Sebastian Ryder met and spent one glorious night talking about life, love and everything it had to offer but Chiara believed it would never work between one another, and walked away without looking back until months later, her best friend and co-owner at Quench, Rory, introduced everyone to her new boyfriend Sebastian Ryder. Three years would pass, until the day Sebastian and Quench would lose Rory to a car accident, an accident that left Sebastian a shell of his former self. Fast forward to present day, Chiara and Sebastian, who haven’t spoken to one another in close to five years, would reconnect at a local bar, a bar where Sebastian and Chiara’s life would take a fateful turn. A one-night stand leaves Sebastian wondering about the what ifs and whys, and a guilt-ridden Chiara to worry about betraying her best friend and the memories they held. What ensues is the building but contemptuous relationship between Chiara and Sebastian, and the potential fall-out as Chiara is unable to let go of the guilt and grief leaving a heart broken Sebastian to wonder where everything went wrong.
Chiara Kennedy is a strong willed, independent, assertive and determined thirty something woman whose fast paced life style doesn’t leave room for romance or love. On the fast track to success, Chiara refuses to acknowledge her attraction to Sebastian Ryder, the man who once starred in her fantasies and dreams but the man to whom her best friend was once married. Keeping her distance from Sebastian wasn’t easy but as the years past, the anger grew towards the man with whom she would fall in love. Sebastian Ryder has never stopped thinking about the woman that got away but falling in love with Rory meant a chance at happiness, although a brief happiness until his world fell apart.
The relationship between Chiara and Sebastian is one of second chances, of a sorts, in the wake of what was and what will never be. Chiara broke Sebastian’s heart when she told him it would never work out but when Chiara refused to acknowledge their previous connection, Sebastian found himself on the outside looking in with the woman he loved. Struggling to convince Chiara to give him a second chance only pushed our couple further apart until fate intervened pulling our couple in another direction. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Chiara’s friends and partners at Quench: Malia Evergreen, and Tessa; Rory’s father and café owner Mike; high school English teachers Emma Primm, and Pete Kempsey; Sebastian’s friend and volunteer at the Dream On Youth Center Ford.
MEANT TO BE is a story of grief, betrayal and loneliness, guilt and acceptance, second chances and love. The premise is engaging; the characters are spirited ; the romance is fated but saying that the relationship between Chiara and Sebastian was challenging-Chiara was not a likeable heroine, and in this I struggled to like the overall story. Chiara Kennedy’s attraction to Sebastian was overridden by her guilt about her friendship with Rory, and the ongoing lie she perfected about meeting Sebastian years before. Throughout the story line Chiara is almost insensitive and cold towards our story line hero, spending most of her time distancing from Sebastian; pushing her attraction down, pulling away from the man with whom she would fall in love. There is plenty going on in and between their lives but Chiara refuses to admit or accept the attraction or what was always meant to be.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 2, 2023
Elegiac second chance romance
In this mournful story, a main character is the specter of Rory - the hero's dead wife and the heroine's dead best friend.
Chiara and Sebastian met years ago and shared a magical night when they confessed their deepest hopes and dreams to each other. When dawn broke, Chiara walked away because their visions for the future were too different. When they finally meet again, Sebastian is introduced to Chiara because he's dating her best friend. This history is recapped in a brief prologue.
The main story begins at Rory's funeral. Chiara and Sebastian have kept their distance for years. Both still remember that meaningful night and feel guilty about their powerful connection.
A series of events - including an unplanned pregnancy - continue to bring them together. Even though Sebastian was always faithful to his wife, Chiara feels like their emotional intimacy is cheating on her dead best friend. She is fearful of this second chance because she feels like she's stealing Rory's husband and life. There is SO much angst.
I got frustrated with all of the guilt and agonizing. Just too much "woe is me".
In this mournful story, a main character is the specter of Rory - the hero's dead wife and the heroine's dead best friend.
Chiara and Sebastian met years ago and shared a magical night when they confessed their deepest hopes and dreams to each other. When dawn broke, Chiara walked away because their visions for the future were too different. When they finally meet again, Sebastian is introduced to Chiara because he's dating her best friend. This history is recapped in a brief prologue.
The main story begins at Rory's funeral. Chiara and Sebastian have kept their distance for years. Both still remember that meaningful night and feel guilty about their powerful connection.
A series of events - including an unplanned pregnancy - continue to bring them together. Even though Sebastian was always faithful to his wife, Chiara feels like their emotional intimacy is cheating on her dead best friend. She is fearful of this second chance because she feels like she's stealing Rory's husband and life. There is SO much angst.
I got frustrated with all of the guilt and agonizing. Just too much "woe is me".
May 12, 2022
2.5 round up! The heroine drove me crazy with her insane thoughts. I finished it because hones the narrators were great and her friends and Mike made everything better. If you want a laugh go and see me fighting with her on my notes and highlights 🤣🤣 Geez!
Even though is finally over I might want to know what happens later with others like Ford, Tessa and Malia.
Even though is finally over I might want to know what happens later with others like Ford, Tessa and Malia.
April 20, 2022
3.5 Stars-It Was A Struggle...
Jennifer Probst tries her readers patience with Meant to Be. I was hooked by the blurb and couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the story of Sebastian and Chiara (although I wasn't sure how to pronounce her name) and see what fate had in store for them.
What it had in store for me was a character that I wasn't thrilled with. While I like Chiara at first, she was quickly moving into annoying territory. As in, she was getting more annoying as I read. She was rude and selfish and I didn't see why Sebastian was wasting his time with her. Really, he didn't turn out to be much better. Yes he was grieving and yes I felt bad for him, however he seemed like a glutton for punishment, so maybe they were meant to be together.
As we read along with Sebastian and Chiara's story, I didn't feel they had much chemistry at all. It was constant push and pull, with her pushing him away. I'm a fan of angst, but don't think this qualifies. Having to know thier every thought was also dragging things down for me. So much worry rather than communicating with each other.
The book is well written, but sadly didn't click with me. I never warmed up to the main characters, however did like the supporting characters that surrounded each of them. Meant to Be reads as a standalone with a nice epilogue.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Jennifer Probst tries her readers patience with Meant to Be. I was hooked by the blurb and couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the story of Sebastian and Chiara (although I wasn't sure how to pronounce her name) and see what fate had in store for them.
What it had in store for me was a character that I wasn't thrilled with. While I like Chiara at first, she was quickly moving into annoying territory. As in, she was getting more annoying as I read. She was rude and selfish and I didn't see why Sebastian was wasting his time with her. Really, he didn't turn out to be much better. Yes he was grieving and yes I felt bad for him, however he seemed like a glutton for punishment, so maybe they were meant to be together.
As we read along with Sebastian and Chiara's story, I didn't feel they had much chemistry at all. It was constant push and pull, with her pushing him away. I'm a fan of angst, but don't think this qualifies. Having to know thier every thought was also dragging things down for me. So much worry rather than communicating with each other.
The book is well written, but sadly didn't click with me. I never warmed up to the main characters, however did like the supporting characters that surrounded each of them. Meant to Be reads as a standalone with a nice epilogue.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
April 9, 2022
This book was not at all what I was expecting and it did not work for me.
The "one-night stand" was implausible and disconcerting. I should have DNF'd at that point, but felt compelled to give it a chance since I've read and liked other works by the author.
Bogged down with too much nonessential story exposition, I was left skimming until the end. I was jarred out of the story early on and there really wasn't any hope of me making a connection thereafter.
I received and advanced review copy on exchange for an honest review from ValentinePR/NetGalley.
The "one-night stand" was implausible and disconcerting. I should have DNF'd at that point, but felt compelled to give it a chance since I've read and liked other works by the author.
Bogged down with too much nonessential story exposition, I was left skimming until the end. I was jarred out of the story early on and there really wasn't any hope of me making a connection thereafter.
I received and advanced review copy on exchange for an honest review from ValentinePR/NetGalley.
April 19, 2022
I am going to start my review by saying I believe there should be a content warning due to a subject matter that may trigger some readers, I couldn't find any on the authors website so if you would like to know more about it please feel free to reach out to me on any of my social media accounts or through my blog for more details.
We start off with Chiara meeting Sebastian in a bar one night and talking for hours and although they felt a deep connection they wanted different things in life so they parted ways only for him to reenter her life when one of her best friends started dating him, and they were perfect for one another. Now here we are several years later after her friend had passed away and they are once again in each others lives.
There's a lot going on in this story but if I get into it will give too much away so I will leave it at this was the time they were meant to be together and may be just may be they needed to go through all that they had to get to this place.
I really enjoyed this story and the chemistry between Sebastian and Chiara was explosive. I cannot wait until we get Chiara's besties' stories because those women are a hoot!
If you enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Second Chance Romances, or the Surprise Pregnancy Trope I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
We start off with Chiara meeting Sebastian in a bar one night and talking for hours and although they felt a deep connection they wanted different things in life so they parted ways only for him to reenter her life when one of her best friends started dating him, and they were perfect for one another. Now here we are several years later after her friend had passed away and they are once again in each others lives.
There's a lot going on in this story but if I get into it will give too much away so I will leave it at this was the time they were meant to be together and may be just may be they needed to go through all that they had to get to this place.
I really enjoyed this story and the chemistry between Sebastian and Chiara was explosive. I cannot wait until we get Chiara's besties' stories because those women are a hoot!
If you enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Second Chance Romances, or the Surprise Pregnancy Trope I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
April 7, 2022
4 Star review of Meant To Be (Twist of Fate #1) by Jennifer Probst
Having read a number of books by Jennifer Probst I could not wait to read the first book in her latest series Mean To Be. This was a well written, emotional roller coaster of a read that drew me in and held me captive.
Can two broken hearts every be truly healed? Two years ago Chiara Kennedy’s best friend Rory died, they had been friends since they were young. She feels the loss everyday and is lost without her. To Sebastian Ryder, his late wife Rory was his soul mate and he was devastated when she died.
Complicating matters is that Chiara and Sebastian dated before parting ways and when Rory introduced them, they pretended that they didn’t know each other. Both have avoided one another since Rory’s death and yet fate obviously has plans for them.
Meeting again, the attraction that once burned is still there and they give in. Could this be the start of something wonderful or will it all come crashing down? The guilt that they feel, particularly Chiara as they get to know one another challenges them.
Can they both come to terms with the past, get closure and in doing so move on together?
One click and find out.
Having read a number of books by Jennifer Probst I could not wait to read the first book in her latest series Mean To Be. This was a well written, emotional roller coaster of a read that drew me in and held me captive.
Can two broken hearts every be truly healed? Two years ago Chiara Kennedy’s best friend Rory died, they had been friends since they were young. She feels the loss everyday and is lost without her. To Sebastian Ryder, his late wife Rory was his soul mate and he was devastated when she died.
Complicating matters is that Chiara and Sebastian dated before parting ways and when Rory introduced them, they pretended that they didn’t know each other. Both have avoided one another since Rory’s death and yet fate obviously has plans for them.
Meeting again, the attraction that once burned is still there and they give in. Could this be the start of something wonderful or will it all come crashing down? The guilt that they feel, particularly Chiara as they get to know one another challenges them.
Can they both come to terms with the past, get closure and in doing so move on together?
One click and find out.
April 20, 2022
This was my first read by Jennifer Probst and let me tell you she did not disappoint!
The story of Chiara and Sebastian is the definition of right person wrong time. These two meet in a bar and have this emotional connection like no other but part ways because Chiara realizes its not the right time for her to commit to him. Fast forward and they meet again but Sebastian is dating her best friend. Then the rollercoaster continues when this best friend passes away and they soon become tied together in a way that is a forever type of commitment!
This was a truly emotional and heart wrenching story seeing as these two come to terms with their feelings about betrayal, love and fate. Chiara running her own business with her friends allows you to follow a strong female MC who knows what she wants but has to make difficult choices to get there. Then you have Sebastian who is guarded but has such an emotional and empathetic interior it makes you want to break down all his walls. You see both of these characters thought processes throughout coming to terms with their atypical relationship because its my fav a dual POV! The title of this book fits perfectly these two are meant to be and its out now!
The story of Chiara and Sebastian is the definition of right person wrong time. These two meet in a bar and have this emotional connection like no other but part ways because Chiara realizes its not the right time for her to commit to him. Fast forward and they meet again but Sebastian is dating her best friend. Then the rollercoaster continues when this best friend passes away and they soon become tied together in a way that is a forever type of commitment!
This was a truly emotional and heart wrenching story seeing as these two come to terms with their feelings about betrayal, love and fate. Chiara running her own business with her friends allows you to follow a strong female MC who knows what she wants but has to make difficult choices to get there. Then you have Sebastian who is guarded but has such an emotional and empathetic interior it makes you want to break down all his walls. You see both of these characters thought processes throughout coming to terms with their atypical relationship because its my fav a dual POV! The title of this book fits perfectly these two are meant to be and its out now!
April 19, 2022
3.5 stars
This was pretty good. I felt like Chiara and Sebastian took FOREVER to get together. This was mostly Chiara and her guilty feelings about her best friend who was married to Sebastian. But really, she met him first and they clicked, but wanted different things at the time. I did like the story and the characters, I just wish this had moved a bit faster.
This was pretty good. I felt like Chiara and Sebastian took FOREVER to get together. This was mostly Chiara and her guilty feelings about her best friend who was married to Sebastian. But really, she met him first and they clicked, but wanted different things at the time. I did like the story and the characters, I just wish this had moved a bit faster.
April 17, 2025
Good story but Chiara’s insecurities regarding Rory got old. The fact that they were highlighted the entire book really made me struggle with the story and her character. Like okay we get it. Move on already. The push and pull with Sebastian was exhausting.
February 21, 2025
Lettura carina ma mi aspettavo di più dall' autrice
April 11, 2022
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I honestly don't know which genre/trope I would slide this into. Jennifer Probst is an excellent author, however the story seems to be a bit over played at times.
Chiara happens to meet Sebastian at a club, have a great night of talking and getting to know each other and go their separate ways at the end of the night. No kissing, no sex and no exchange of numbers. Truly a great night of talking about dreams, love and loves lost and where the universe would take them next.
Still, Chiara uses this "perfect night" as a standard as to what she wants in a longtime partner, and even on occasion, thinks "what if?" As crazy as it sounds, when Chiara runs into him again, it's because one of her besties, Rory, has introduced him as her fiancé. Rather than telling everyone, including her bestie, that she had met Sebastian before, she pretends not to know him and spends the next several years being rude, if not hostile, towards him.
I don't understand why Rory, or their two close friends, didn't confront Chiara about her blatant dislike of Sebastian, nor do I understand why Chiara felt the need to conceal the fact that she knew Sebastian from before. Then Rory dies and Chiara is quick to place blame on Sebastian. Again, not sure why or why her friends let her get away with it.
Sebastian is another story. He allows himself to be the villain in Chiara's story. For whatever reason, he doesn't tell Rory that he spent an innocent night talking to Chiara yet instead takes the rudeness and hostility from Chiara. And as for Rory's death, he gladly takes on that guilt as well.
The reader is well into the book before Chiara is able to see outside herself to consider Sebastian's feelings regarding his wife and her death. While it doesn't change much, it does allow for a bit of growth in character.
I'm not sure why Sebastian decides he wants to have a relationship with a woman who has treated him badly for so many years, but as they said back in the day "love makes you do the whacky".
I'm not sure I'll read the next book in the series as this one just didn't hold my interest.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
I honestly don't know which genre/trope I would slide this into. Jennifer Probst is an excellent author, however the story seems to be a bit over played at times.
Chiara happens to meet Sebastian at a club, have a great night of talking and getting to know each other and go their separate ways at the end of the night. No kissing, no sex and no exchange of numbers. Truly a great night of talking about dreams, love and loves lost and where the universe would take them next.
Still, Chiara uses this "perfect night" as a standard as to what she wants in a longtime partner, and even on occasion, thinks "what if?" As crazy as it sounds, when Chiara runs into him again, it's because one of her besties, Rory, has introduced him as her fiancé. Rather than telling everyone, including her bestie, that she had met Sebastian before, she pretends not to know him and spends the next several years being rude, if not hostile, towards him.
I don't understand why Rory, or their two close friends, didn't confront Chiara about her blatant dislike of Sebastian, nor do I understand why Chiara felt the need to conceal the fact that she knew Sebastian from before. Then Rory dies and Chiara is quick to place blame on Sebastian. Again, not sure why or why her friends let her get away with it.
Sebastian is another story. He allows himself to be the villain in Chiara's story. For whatever reason, he doesn't tell Rory that he spent an innocent night talking to Chiara yet instead takes the rudeness and hostility from Chiara. And as for Rory's death, he gladly takes on that guilt as well.
The reader is well into the book before Chiara is able to see outside herself to consider Sebastian's feelings regarding his wife and her death. While it doesn't change much, it does allow for a bit of growth in character.
I'm not sure why Sebastian decides he wants to have a relationship with a woman who has treated him badly for so many years, but as they said back in the day "love makes you do the whacky".
I'm not sure I'll read the next book in the series as this one just didn't hold my interest.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
March 11, 2023
Nope.
Ughhhh….. this book. I absolutely could not finish it. First of all, the “dream” and all that happened there was terrible. On top of that I’ve never read a romance novel more “woke” - every other word was about empowerment and support and just drivel. Come on, man, it’s a romance novel. I’m reading it for that. I don’t want or need a lecture about supporting a partner or female empowerment or whatever. It’s like she wrote a book specifically tailored for the “Me Too” movement.
And good grief the ANGST the main character goes through about living her dead best friends life. GOOD. GRIEF. I thought she was supposed to be so smart and logical.
I’ve read so many of this authors novels and have enjoyed every single one up until this one. Not that she’ll care, but I don’t plan on reading any more of her novels if this is how they’ll be from now on.
Ughhhh….. this book. I absolutely could not finish it. First of all, the “dream” and all that happened there was terrible. On top of that I’ve never read a romance novel more “woke” - every other word was about empowerment and support and just drivel. Come on, man, it’s a romance novel. I’m reading it for that. I don’t want or need a lecture about supporting a partner or female empowerment or whatever. It’s like she wrote a book specifically tailored for the “Me Too” movement.
And good grief the ANGST the main character goes through about living her dead best friends life. GOOD. GRIEF. I thought she was supposed to be so smart and logical.
I’ve read so many of this authors novels and have enjoyed every single one up until this one. Not that she’ll care, but I don’t plan on reading any more of her novels if this is how they’ll be from now on.
June 26, 2022
If my toxic trait wasn’t feeling the need to finishing every book I start reading, I would have for sure ditched this book. It was so cheesy and every chapter made me cringe at how stereotypical and predictable the book was. Would not recommend.
May 12, 2023
Disappointed…
This had so much potential…but it dropped the ball. So boring with nothing to catch your attention and random side character stories that didn’t add anything the plot or even comic relief. Just ugh.
This had so much potential…but it dropped the ball. So boring with nothing to catch your attention and random side character stories that didn’t add anything the plot or even comic relief. Just ugh.
October 17, 2022
2.5 stars.
Once again I find this author sets up a really great premise. In this one Chiara (the heroine) and Ruder (the hero) meet on one night and make a deep and instant connection. They spend the entire night talking aware that they are on the the cusp of something special. But while Ryder is giving signals that he is more than ready for a commitment and marriage and all that entails, Chiara knows she wants to live the next great adventure whatever that would be and being tied to one place would be stultifying to her. So while she acknowledges that she could feel something profound with Ryder she walks away figuring she'd never see him again. But she does several years later when her BFF Rory, introduces Ryder as her new fiance.
But for some reason I find that for a second book in a row, this author has a hard time in really capitalizing on her good set up in a way that makes me feel emotionally invested in these people. Instead it becomes a less than satisfactory retread of well travelled romance novel roads.
We meet up again where Rory has died and for some reason at the funeral Ryder is portrayed more of an estranged onlooker than a grieving husband. This offers up some intriguing possibilities. What can have happened? Was he really, as he says in an inner monologue, responsible for Rory's death? Did it have anything to do with Chiara? Are they treating him as an outsider?
As it turns out that is all a massive misdirect. In fact it is a non-starter. Ryder distanced himself out of guilt that he ---GASP -- killed Rory.
Narrator : Ryder in fact did not kill Rory. Not even a little.
But we need to create some manpain and angst for him to muddle through and the death of a spouse just isn't enough he has to bear extra weighty guilt.
The problem is, it doesn't feel at all earned.
Then we get to two years later, and Ryder is still distant but he sees Rory in a bar being harassed by a weird dude and they enter each other's orbit again.
Drama ensues and a lot of hand wringing and conflicts and roadblocks that feel artificial and frustrating and lack of communication and misunderstandings and a grab bag of cliches.
I skimmed quite a bit and was annoyed with these two people a lot.
The supporting characters were very good though.
Once again I find this author sets up a really great premise. In this one Chiara (the heroine) and Ruder (the hero) meet on one night and make a deep and instant connection. They spend the entire night talking aware that they are on the the cusp of something special. But while Ryder is giving signals that he is more than ready for a commitment and marriage and all that entails, Chiara knows she wants to live the next great adventure whatever that would be and being tied to one place would be stultifying to her. So while she acknowledges that she could feel something profound with Ryder she walks away figuring she'd never see him again. But she does several years later when her BFF Rory, introduces Ryder as her new fiance.
But for some reason I find that for a second book in a row, this author has a hard time in really capitalizing on her good set up in a way that makes me feel emotionally invested in these people. Instead it becomes a less than satisfactory retread of well travelled romance novel roads.
We meet up again where Rory has died and for some reason at the funeral Ryder is portrayed more of an estranged onlooker than a grieving husband. This offers up some intriguing possibilities. What can have happened? Was he really, as he says in an inner monologue, responsible for Rory's death? Did it have anything to do with Chiara? Are they treating him as an outsider?
As it turns out that is all a massive misdirect. In fact it is a non-starter. Ryder distanced himself out of guilt that he ---GASP -- killed Rory.
Narrator : Ryder in fact did not kill Rory. Not even a little.
But we need to create some manpain and angst for him to muddle through and the death of a spouse just isn't enough he has to bear extra weighty guilt.
The problem is, it doesn't feel at all earned.
Then we get to two years later, and Ryder is still distant but he sees Rory in a bar being harassed by a weird dude and they enter each other's orbit again.
Drama ensues and a lot of hand wringing and conflicts and roadblocks that feel artificial and frustrating and lack of communication and misunderstandings and a grab bag of cliches.
I skimmed quite a bit and was annoyed with these two people a lot.
The supporting characters were very good though.
March 15, 2022
Chiara Kennedy met Sebastian Ryder in a movie-like meet cute: he "saves" her from an annoying pick up at a bar and they strike up a conversation. In "Before Sunrise" fashion, they spend the whole night baring their souls to each other, being completely open and honest to each other. They have an incredible connection, but Chiara instantly knows that they want different things in life and they part ways without even a kiss. He always stayed in the back of her mind - the perfect man, just not perfect for her...
Chiara doesn't know that Ryder will be in her life again in pivotal moments: first, when her best friend introduces him as her boyfriend. Second, when they bury her best friend. Third, two years later, when he "saves" her again at a bar when he ends up getting roofied instead of her. Fate won't keep him out of her way...
This is the first book in the Twist of Fate series and, as it usually happens in introductory books, it sets up not only the main characters' story lines but it sets up the "universe". In this one, it's the surviving friends picking up the pieces and getting their lives together after such devastating loss.
It's very well written and it's definitely a romance novel, but the focus here is on character development and growth, as this best friend is falling (again) for her best friend's husband. There is an added fact that I won't reveal so as to not spoil anyone that really makes you understand why Chiara feels like she's "stealing " her late friend's life. How they got to this complication is a little too far fetched for me, but once I got involved in the story I let it slide.
A good beginning to a new series. I need Ford's book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank youNetGalley, Montlake and Jennifer Probst for the advanced copy.
Possible triggers: grief, surprise pregnancy, infertility, child abandonment, drug use
Chiara doesn't know that Ryder will be in her life again in pivotal moments: first, when her best friend introduces him as her boyfriend. Second, when they bury her best friend. Third, two years later, when he "saves" her again at a bar when he ends up getting roofied instead of her. Fate won't keep him out of her way...
This is the first book in the Twist of Fate series and, as it usually happens in introductory books, it sets up not only the main characters' story lines but it sets up the "universe". In this one, it's the surviving friends picking up the pieces and getting their lives together after such devastating loss.
It's very well written and it's definitely a romance novel, but the focus here is on character development and growth, as this best friend is falling (again) for her best friend's husband. There is an added fact that I won't reveal so as to not spoil anyone that really makes you understand why Chiara feels like she's "stealing " her late friend's life. How they got to this complication is a little too far fetched for me, but once I got involved in the story I let it slide.
A good beginning to a new series. I need Ford's book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank youNetGalley, Montlake and Jennifer Probst for the advanced copy.
Possible triggers: grief, surprise pregnancy, infertility, child abandonment, drug use
April 19, 2022
ARC received for an honest review
After DNFing my last JP read, I was hoping for more this time.
Well, I did finish this one, but I will say that I nearly put this one down for good more than once.
I liked the connection between our lovelis, but man oh man, Chiara in particular, and Sebastian tried my patience.
I got the best friend/dead wife thing was something they had to overcome, but sheesh, did they drag that out. I wanted to tell Ryder to run run run just as fast as he can away from her. I am glad they removed heads from sphincters, but it was hard work for me to get to the end.
So, whilst this was not my favourite Jen Probst story, it wasn't the worst.
But I think for a while it is time for me to walk away from them and come back fresh down the track.
After DNFing my last JP read, I was hoping for more this time.
Well, I did finish this one, but I will say that I nearly put this one down for good more than once.
I liked the connection between our lovelis, but man oh man, Chiara in particular, and Sebastian tried my patience.
I got the best friend/dead wife thing was something they had to overcome, but sheesh, did they drag that out. I wanted to tell Ryder to run run run just as fast as he can away from her. I am glad they removed heads from sphincters, but it was hard work for me to get to the end.
So, whilst this was not my favourite Jen Probst story, it wasn't the worst.
But I think for a while it is time for me to walk away from them and come back fresh down the track.
April 19, 2022
Meant To Be (Twist Of Fate #1) is fate at its best and is such a wonderful start to this series. Years ago, Sebastian and Chiara met, they had an instant connection, their chemistry was undeniable and they spent an unforgettable night talking and getting to know each other. Despite their chemistry, they went their separate ways as it was clear Sebastian wanted to settle down and start a family and Chiara wanted the opposite. A while after that, Chiara’s best friend Rory introduced her to her new man who happened to be….Sebastian! Sebastian and Rory got married and during their relationship, he and Chiara pretended as if they didn’t like each other and they kept their distance. Unfortunately Rory died in a tragic accident and two years later, Chiara, her best friends, Malia and Tessa and Sebastian are still reeling for Rory’s sudden death.
Fate brings Sebastian and Chiara back into each other lives and this time around, there was no way they could deny their feelings as they were too obvious to ignore. I felt the passion and love they had for one another. I really enjoyed this heartfelt book, I adored Sebastian and Chiara and I was rooting for them as they faced a huge challenge. Jennifer Probst always does a fantastic job with creating strong, admirable and successful female characters. It makes the storylines so much more enjoyable and this book is no exception. Meant To Be is a well written and engaging book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
Fate brings Sebastian and Chiara back into each other lives and this time around, there was no way they could deny their feelings as they were too obvious to ignore. I felt the passion and love they had for one another. I really enjoyed this heartfelt book, I adored Sebastian and Chiara and I was rooting for them as they faced a huge challenge. Jennifer Probst always does a fantastic job with creating strong, admirable and successful female characters. It makes the storylines so much more enjoyable and this book is no exception. Meant To Be is a well written and engaging book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
April 25, 2022
Meant To Be is such a wonderful start to this series. I absolutely love second chance romance books. A nice sweet, sexy and steamy story about love, grief and second chances. Chiara is a strong woman. She knows what she wants and what she doesn't want.
Years ago, Sebastian and Chiara met at a club and they had an instant connection. Their chemistry together was undeniable and they spent one amazing night talking and getting to know each other. Despite their chemistry, they went their separate ways because it was clear that Sebastian wanted to settle down and start a family and Chiara wanted the opposite.
When Sebastian ends up dating and marrying her best friend Rory, she decides to keep the knowledge to herself that she has met Sebastian before. Unfortunately, Rory dies in a tragic accident and two years later, Chiara, her best friends, Malia and Tessa and Sebastian are all still grieving from Rory’s sudden death. Fate brings Sebastian and Chiara back into each others’ lives and this time, there was no way they could deny or ignore their feelings for each other. I felt the passion and love they had for one another. I really enjoyed this book, I was rooting for Sebastian and Chiara as they faced a huge challenge.
Jennifer Probst always does any amazing job with creating strong, admirable and successful female characters. It makes the storylines so much more enjoyable. The emotional roller coaster of feelings this book created also made it a great read. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
Years ago, Sebastian and Chiara met at a club and they had an instant connection. Their chemistry together was undeniable and they spent one amazing night talking and getting to know each other. Despite their chemistry, they went their separate ways because it was clear that Sebastian wanted to settle down and start a family and Chiara wanted the opposite.
When Sebastian ends up dating and marrying her best friend Rory, she decides to keep the knowledge to herself that she has met Sebastian before. Unfortunately, Rory dies in a tragic accident and two years later, Chiara, her best friends, Malia and Tessa and Sebastian are all still grieving from Rory’s sudden death. Fate brings Sebastian and Chiara back into each others’ lives and this time, there was no way they could deny or ignore their feelings for each other. I felt the passion and love they had for one another. I really enjoyed this book, I was rooting for Sebastian and Chiara as they faced a huge challenge.
Jennifer Probst always does any amazing job with creating strong, admirable and successful female characters. It makes the storylines so much more enjoyable. The emotional roller coaster of feelings this book created also made it a great read. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
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